Therapeutic Potential of melatonin as an anti-obesity agent Melatonin as an anti-obesity agent

Abstract

Obesity is a major healthcare crisis, with the number rising each year, which is concerning. Obesity is associated with many metabolic syndromes, heightening the risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, fatty liver, and hypertension. This imposes a substantial burden on healthcare systems, with escalating annual costs. Current management strategies for obesity include lifestyle interventions, bariatric surgery, and pharmacotherapy. Lifestyle management often results in modest weight loss. Bariatric surgery, while effective in achieving significant weight loss, is limited by risks and accessibility. Different FDA-approved pharmacotherapies are also available, but there are some limitations. Emerging research highlights melatonin as a promising therapy for obesity treatment due to its multifaceted mechanisms. Melatonin's potential benefits include regulating metabolic processes, suppressing appetite, improving insulin sensitivity, exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and modulating circadian rhythms. Recent studies suggest that melatonin supplementation may contribute effectively to obesity management by impacting weight loss, appetite regulation, and insulin resistance. This review aims to evaluate the physiological effects of melatonin in obesity therapy, focusing on its impact on metabolic health, appetite control, and insulin sensitivity while acknowledging the need for further research in this area.