A Hormone Feedback Loop: Appetite Suppression
- Apr 22
- 2 min read
The human body is a marvel of feedback loops, signaling when to start processes and when to stop them. One feedback loop has to do with how full you feel after eating, and is governed largely by the Glucagon-like Peptide-1 hormone, known as “GLP-1.”
GLP-1s are human hormone messengers (made by special gut cells) that signal multiple organs upon eating. They tell the stomach to “slow down,” allowing food to stay longer in the digestive system and giving a feeling of fullness. They signal the pancreas to release insulin, a different hormone that helps cells utilize glucose as fuel. GLP-1s also signal the brain (after a certain amount of food) to suppress the appetite and prevent overeating.
What Can Go Wrong?
Many things can disrupt the delicately balanced GLP-1 fullness feedback loop, resulting in cravings, constant hunger, and weight gain:
~ Chronic stress (tends to preserve protective layers of fat)
~ Sleep deprivation
~ Insulin resistance, prediabetes, diabetes & metabolic dysfunction
~ The brain begins ignoring fullness signals
~ GLP-1 production is compromised by bacterial imbalance or inflammation in the gut
~ Highly processed foods bypass normal fullness signals
~ Genetic variations affect GLP-1 hormone effectiveness
Treatment
Modern medicine can restore or amplify a hormone messaging system that is underperforming. Depending on symptoms, weight, and blood tests, we may prescribe drugs that assist the action of GLP-1 hormones.
At Abundant Health, we test, diagnose, and personalize treatments to increase your health and optimize your weight.
Abundant Health is a medical center that integrates traditional, naturopathic, and functional medicine delivering exceptional personalized healthcare solutions. We offer advanced services such as comprehensive testing, IV therapy, nutritional counseling, allergy testing, and more. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you achieve optimal health and well-being, tailored to your unique needs.
Phone: 951-331-4020
