Previous studies have shown that expression of cytosolic malic enzyme (ME1) and other lipogenic genes is elevated in the small intestine in animal models of diet-induced obesity [2], [4], [5] and that fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis and transport are up-regulated in the small intestine of diabetic, obese rats [6], [7]. The gene discussed is ME1; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.