Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) are examples of such cytokines which have therapeutic potential in obesity and metabolic diseases. Here, BDNF is linked to obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.