Alpha-MSH (α-MSH), a neuropeptide derivative of proopiomelanocortin, is a melanotropin (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) secreted to bind with melanocortin receptors, with resulting downstream physiologic effects, principally food-intake regulation, with resulting weight loss and prevention of obesity—and corollary reduction of diabetes risk [37]. The gene discussed is POMC; the disease is diabetes mellitus.