The hormone that primarily suppresses hunger is leptin.
Leptin is produced by fat cells and acts on the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that regulates appetite and energy expenditure. When fat stores increase, leptin levels rise, signaling to the brain that the body has enough energy and suppressing hunger.
While leptin is a key player in appetite regulation, other hormones also contribute to hunger suppression, including:
- Insulin: Released by the pancreas after meals, insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels and also signals fullness to the brain.
- Cholecystokinin (CCK): This hormone is produced in the small intestine and signals satiety after eating.
- Peptide YY (PYY): Released by the intestines after meals, PYY helps regulate appetite and slows down gastric emptying.
Understanding how these hormones work can be helpful in managing weight and appetite. For example, regular physical activity can increase leptin sensitivity, making the body more responsive to its hunger-suppressing effects.
