How does the human body control appetite?  Does bright light really suppress appetite? Does one look at the light before or after meals? Our brain is plays fundamental role in the control of feeding, body weight and sexual function.

First a little review is needed. Sex steroids are essential for the regulation of the structure and function of the central nervous system. Early in life, these and other steroids shape the structure of sensitive areas of the brain, especially those involved in the control of reproductive behavior and sexual function. These hormones can be produced both in the brain and/or the adrenal gland.

The melanocortin system is a complex human pathway that controls pigmentation, fat metabolism, food intake, temperature adjustment, sexual behavior, memory and inflammatory response. Its hormones include alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), beta-MSH, gamma-MSH and the adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH. Corticotropin releasing hormone, CRH tones down this important system. ACTH orders the release of cortisol from the adrenals through CRH intervention.

So the very system that triggers sex and ejaculation plays a role in trust and bonding. Melanocyte stimulating hormones regulate feeding behavior directly through Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Alpha-MSH and ghrelin play significant yet opposite roles in the regulation of eating: alpha-MSH inhibits, whereas ghrelin stimulates consumption.