“Weighing in” on synergy: Preclinical research on neurohormonal anti-obesity combinations

Active weight loss and the maintenance of a weight-reduced state elicit potent counter-regulatory responses in multiple neurochemical pathways rendering monotherapy-based anti-obesity agents relatively ineffective. Herein, we highlight potential strategies for overcoming counter-regulatory responses to states of negative energy balance using combinatorial approaches. We discuss methodological and practical considerations for preclinical modeling of additive/synergistic weight loss combinations that have emerged in our translational research program aimed at identifying naturally occurring neurohormonal synergies. As an example of synergy, pharmacological and mechanistic findings with the combined administration of the β-cell hormone amylin and the adipokine leptin are reviewed. Finally, we briefly discuss what the future landscape of neurohormonal anti-obesity combinations may hold.