M. Zhang et al. observe the differential effects of two isoforms of alkylglycerols on obesity and insulin resistance in high fat diet fed mice, including significantly decreased bodyweight, serum levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, fasting glucose, insulin, and leptin by one form of alkylglycerols, and selachyl alcohol, but increased fasting insulin level by administration of the other form, batyl alcohol. The gene discussed is INS; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.