Precise control of energy homeostasis, the balance between food intake and energy expenditure, is essential for human and animal health. An imbalance between energy intake and expenditure can contribute to the development of obesity. The brain co-ordinates feeding behaviour by integrating information transmitted via hormonal, nutrient, and neural inputs from the periphery. The hypothalamus is the brain’s main integratory hub controlling long-term energy homeostasis. Direct neuronal projections connect the hypothalamus to the brainstem and, in turn, the vagus nerve bi-directionally connects the brainstem to the digestive tract. Pharmacological and genetic studies in rodents have begun to unravel the neural circuits regulating energy homeostasis and how these change during obesity. While most of the field has historically focused on neurons, our group has contributed to understanding how non-neuronal cells such as glial cells called astrocytes contribute to these key regulatory circuits. This talk will summarise studies from our group examining a role of astrocytes in the regulation of feeding and glucose homeostasis, and reflect on the mechanisms by which these cells integrate neuroendocrine and nutritional cues to impact physiology and pathophysiology. Data will also be presented on our efforts to refine animal models of metabolic disease to improve animal welfare and translatability of data to human physiology.