Anorexic effects of intra-VTA leptin are similar in low-fat and high-fat-fed rats but attenuated in a subgroup of high-fat-fed obese rats

► Decreased leptin sensitivity in the VTA of high-fat-fed obese rats. ► Long-term exposure to a high-fat diet does not affect leptin sensitivity in the VTA. ► Rats decrease food intake to compensate for an increased energy density of the diet.