A
neutralizing epitope is identified within amino acids 1-3 of desacyl
ghrelin. Antibodies that bind this
epitope fall within the scope of the invention and can be murine, chimeric, or humanized antibodies, immunoconjugates of the antibodies, or
antigen-binding fragments thereof. The antibodies of the invention are useful for the treatment or prevention of
obesity and related disorders including, for example, Type II non-
insulin dependent
diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), Prader-Willi syndrome,
eating disorders, hyperphagia, and impaired satiety. Additionally, such antibodies can be useful for the treatment or prevention of other disorders, including
anxiety,
gastric motility disorders (including e.g.,
irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia),
insulin resistance syndrome,
metabolic syndrome,
dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovarian syndrome,
cancer, and cardiovascular disorders by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-desacyl
ghrelin monoclonal antibody of the invention.