Radio-frequency and anodal electrolytic lesions of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) were found to produce equal and dramatic increases in body weight in female rats. Neither of the groups with lesions had significantly elevated plasma insulin levels during a period of food restriction, but individual values varied greatly. Both groups displayed marked basal hyperinsulinemia after 30 days of food ad lib. It is concluded that radio-frequency and electrolytic PVN lesions produce similar obesity syndromes.