In a specific strain of obese mice, higher levels of a fat-related molecule in the intestine correlate with more frequent eating, and blocking a specific receptor in the gut reduces food intake, suggesting this molecular pathway plays a role in overeating.

Blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 decreases eating behavior in KK-Ay mice, suggesting that prostaglandins, along with endocannabinoids, play a role in driving excessive food intake in this genetically obese mouse strain.

Consuming linoleic acid, a type of fat found in certain oils, leads to the production of molecules that bind to CB1 receptors in the brain, which can lead to an increase in hunger.