Obesity currently affects 13% of the worldwide population, and is a major risk factor for type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and severe COVID-19 illness. Conversely, under-nutrition is increasingly prevalent in ageing populations, associated with frailty, increased fractures and prolonged hospital stays. By understanding fundamental cell mechanisms involved in appetite regulation, Dr Gorvin’s research group aims to ultimately design better drugs, with fewer side effects, to regulate food intake that could prevent obesity and under-nutrition.