Ghrelin infused into the dorsomedial hypothalamus of male mice increases food intake and adiposity.

•Ghrelin delivery into the DMH increases food intake and weight gain.•Ghrelin delivery into the DMH also decreases energy expenditure.•Delivery of ghrelin receptor antagonists results in changes in substrate utilization that are opposite to those expected and similar to those produced by ghrelin itself.•Overall, ghrelin may act directly at the DMH to modulate feeding and energy balance.