In addition, methods to increase circulating adiponectin levels including PPARγ agonists or methods leading to upregulation of adiponectin receptors and/or development of specific adiponectin receptor agonists (e.g. osmotin) (Kadowaki and Yamauchi, 2005), could prove beneficial in several obesity related malignancies. The gene discussed is ADIPOQ; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.