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Effects of GLP-1 on appetite and weight

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Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a cleavage product of the pre-proglucagon gene which is expressed in the α-cells of the pancreas, the L-cells of the intestine, and neurons located in the caudal brainstem and hypothalamus. GLP-1 is of relevance to appetite and weight maintenance because it has actions on the gastrointestinal tract as well as the direct regulation of appetite. It delays gastric emptying and gut motility in humans. In addition, interventricular injections of GLP-1 inhibit food intake, independent of the presence of food in the stomach or gastric emptying. Peripherally administered GLP-1 also affects the central regulation of feeding. It is therefore the synergistic actions of GLP-1 in the gut and brain, acting on both central and peripheral receptors that seem responsible for the effects of the hormone on satiety.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the support of the Mayo Clinic General Clinical Research Center (DK TR000135). Dr. Vella is supported by DK78646 and by DK82396.

Conflict of interest

Dr. Vella has received research grants from Merck and Daiichi-Sankyo. He is an investigator in multicenter studies sponsored by Novartis and GI dynamics, respectively. He has consulted for XOMA, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis and Bristol-Myers Squibb. Dr. Shah has no relevant disclosures.

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  1. Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism Mayo Clinic, 200 First ST SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Meera Shah & Adrian Vella

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  1. Meera Shah
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Correspondence to Adrian Vella.

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Shah, M., Vella, A. Effects of GLP-1 on appetite and weight. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 15, 181–187 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-014-9289-5

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