Chemical Signals in Appetite Regulation
Gut Signals and Appetite Control
Short-term Signals
The gut plays a crucial role in regulating our appetite through various chemical signals, primarily working on a meal-to-meal basis.
- Ghrelin (The Hunger Hormone)
- Released by the stomach when empty
- Levels peak before meals and drop after eating
- Stimulates appetite and food-seeking behavior
- Signals the brain to initiate eating
- Cholecystokinin (CCK)
- Released by small intestine during meals
- Responds to presence of fats and proteins
- Creates feeling of fullness
- Signals brain to stop eating
Think of ghrelin as your body's "time to eat" alarm and CCK as your "I'm full" message!
Post-meal Signals
- Peptide YY (PYY)
- Released by intestines after eating
- Reduces appetite
- Slows down gut movement
- Helps maintain fullness feeling
- GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1)
- Released in response to nutrients in gut
- Reduces food intake
- Slows stomach emptying
- Helps regulate blood sugar
