Activation of cholinergic signaling by VNS, α7nAChR agonists, and centrally acting drugs such as galantamine results in anti-inflammatory effects, alleviation of insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis, and other beneficial effects in murine models of obesity, MetS, NASH, and type 2 diabetes. The gene discussed is CHRNA7; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.