LEP and obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency: 2014). A previous study has shown that augmentation of D2 receptor function in the mesolimbic dopaminergic system prevents overeating in Zucker obese rats (Davis et al. 2009). Taken together, we suggest that leptin‐induced attenuation of D2 receptor‐meditated inhibition of VTA dopaminergic neuronal excitability may contribute to overeating and subsequent development of obesity, and vice versa. In conclusion, leptin attenuates D2 receptor‐mediated inhibition in a subpopulation of putative VTA dopaminergic neurons.