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Mechanisms of Disease: the role of gastrointestinal hormones in appetite and obesity

Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology volume 5, pages 268–277 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

The obesity epidemic is fast becoming one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Over the past 30 years, gastrointestinal hormones have been increasingly understood to have an important role as regulators of appetite and energy balance in obese individuals. The levels of these hormones are modulated by bariatric surgery, and understanding how they are affected by such procedures can contribute to our comprehension of the underlying mechanisms by which these hormones affect obesity and its treatment. In this Review, we consider several gastrointestinal hormones that can contribute to obesity by modulating the activity of the gut–brain axis, and examine their specific effects on appetite, hunger and energy balance. Better understanding of the mechanisms by which these peptides exert their effects may enable the development of improved weight-loss medications and new treatments for obesity.

Key Points

  • The obesity epidemic has highlighted the importance of understanding the mechanisms governing appetite and weight regulation

  • Over the past 30 years, gastrointestinal hormones have been found to have an integrated role in appetite regulation via their action on the 'gut–brain axis'

  • Bariatric surgery can achieve sustained weight loss in morbidly obese individuals and has been shown to modulate the levels of gastrointestinal hormones

  • Understanding the underlying mechanism of action of gastrointestinal hormones could provide useful insights into weight regulation, and contribute to the development of treatments for obesity

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Figure 1: Schematic representation of appetite regulation via the gut–brain axis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. RP Vincent is a Specialist Registrar in the Department of Chemical Pathology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,

    Royce P Vincent

  2. H Ashrafian is a Wellcome Research Training Fellow & Surgical Registrar in the Departments of Metabolic Medicine and Biosurgery and Surgical Technology, Imperial College London, UK.,

    Hutan Ashrafian

  3. CW le Roux is a Consultant in the Department of Chemical Pathology, and a Clinical Senior Lecturer in the Department of Metabolic Medicine, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College London, UK.,

    Carel W le Roux

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Vincent, R., Ashrafian, H. & le Roux, C. Mechanisms of Disease: the role of gastrointestinal hormones in appetite and obesity. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 5, 268–277 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpgasthep1118

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