The attenuation of food intake as induced by an increase in serotonergic (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) efficacy has been a target of antiobesity pharmacotherapies. However, the induction of tolerance and/or side‐effects limited the clinical utility of the earliest serotonin‐related medications. With the global prevalence of obesity rising, there has been renewed interest in the manipulation of the serotonergic system as a point of pharmacological intervention. The serotonin_2C receptor (5‐HT_2CR), serotonin_1B (rodent)/serotonin_1Dβ (human) receptor (5‐HT_1B/1DβR) and serotonin₆ receptor (5‐HT₆R) represent the most promising serotonin receptor therapeutic targets. Canonical serotonin receptor compounds have given way to a myriad of novel receptor‐selective ligands, many of which have observable anorectic effects. Here we review serotonergic compounds reducing ingestive behaviour and discuss their clinical potential for the treatment of obesity.