Figure 1. Activation of VMH melanocortin receptors increases EE, even in the absence of altered physical activity .

Compared to vehicle microinjection, intra‐VMH microinjection of the mixed melanocortin receptor agonist MTII significantly increased (A) EE, (B) ${\dot{V}}_{{\mathrm{O}}_2}$ and (D) physical activity levels, and also (C) decreased the RER, implicating increased lipid oxidation. When activity levels and workload were equalized using a treadmill walking protocol, the ability of MTII to (E) elevate EE, (F) increase ${\dot{V}}_{{\mathrm{O}}_2}$ and (G) lower RER remained, indicating decreased locomotor efficiency. ^*Significantly different from vehicle, P < 0.05 (n = 10).