In this study, significant alterations in neuropeptide levels were mainly seen in children with overweight and were reduced with increased obesity. This indicates the existence of a compensatory mechanism for neuropeptides to curb the progression of obesity.

• This study included 120 children with a mean age of 12 years from whom blood samples were obtained to evaluate the circulating levels of neuropeptides and were correlated with various anthropometric, clinical, and metabolic markers.

• Changes in plasma levels of urocortins [UCNs] were detected in children with overweight but less so in those with obesity.

• A compensatory effect was indicated by the observation that the expression pattern of UCN1 was opposite to that of UCN2 and UCN3.

• However, corticotropin-releasing hormone and spexin levels were not significantly impacted by overweight and obesity.

• An independent association of UCN3 with circulating zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein and UCN2 levels was identified, whereas TNFα levels strongly predicted UCN1.