During this webinar, Lora Heisler, PhD, will discuss why for many people is it so difficult to lose weight and yet all too easy to gain those extra pounds. She will also discuss the brain circuitry that is the master controller of body weight, such as circuits activated by the fat hormone leptin. Heisler will review how our genes impact our waistline and will discuss genes in the melanocortin system and how obesity medications capitalize on this basic neurobiology to trick the brain into feeling fuller faster and shedding pounds. Finally, Heisler will review new weight loss drugs on the horizon that may be able to help those who are struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.