We found here that (a) CerS6 mRNA expression is enriched in neurons as compared to other cells of the hypothalamus, (b) C16:0 ceramides are the predominant ceramide species in hypothalamic neuron-enriched cell fractions, and (c) hypothalamic CerS6 expression and C16:0 ceramide content increase in obesity (see above). Here, CERS6 is linked to obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.