Gina Leinninger

No Gain, No Pain: How the Brain Regulates Body Weight 

Red Cedar Distinguished Professor, Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Program
leinning@msu.edu

For many, obesity is unfairly framed as a character flaw or a lack of self-control. But as Gina Leinninger explains, obesity is a disease of the brain that fundamentally compromises a person’s ability to lose weight. “We would never say that someone with heart disease has heart problems because they lack self-control of their heart,” Leinninger said. “We should treat obesity similarly — it’s a disease and one that requires treatment to combat.”

In this session, Leinninger will debunk common myths and reveal how the brain acts as a balance scale, constantly weighing calories in against calories out to maintain a steady energy level. She’ll also explain how obesity predisposes individuals to developing chronic pain that negatively impacts quality of life.

This presentation explores why treating obesity and chronic pain together has been a major scientific bottleneck. Historically, researchers have studied these conditions in isolation. However, many common pain medications actually promote weight gain, creating a frustrating cycle for patients. Leinninger is challenging this status quo by studying a unique signaling molecule in the brain called neurotensin. This rare biological tool may be the key to a paradigm shift: a single target that can simultaneously suppress hunger and alleviate pain.

By utilizing high-resolution microscopy and fluorescent labeling, the lab can visualize these neurons in vivid detail. Leinninger will demonstrate the cutting-edge technology that allows researchers to use remote control activation on specific groups of cells in real-time. By toggling these neurons, researchers can observe immediate changes in behavior, providing a direct map of how the brain manages our survival instincts to consume when we can.

Ultimately, this research is about more than data — it’s about people. Leinninger will share the human story behind her work, including a focus on U.S. Veterans, who are disproportionately impacted by the combination of chronic pain and obesity. This presentation showcases how MSU is moving beyond temporary fixes to find safe, effective solutions for our nation's heroes and the millions of Americans seeking a healthier and less painful future.