Gut Hormones in Obesity:Therapeutic Strategies

摘要

Obesity is an increasing epidemic in the Unites States, with one in three adults being obese.1 Obesity results when energy intake exceeds expenditure. Several peptides produced from the gastrointestinal tract (gut hormones) appear to act on the brain to control feelings of hunger and satiety. Evidence suggests that abnormal fasting levels or postprandial responses for one or more of these hormones may contribute to excess energy intake, a positive energy balance, and the subsequent development of obesity. Weight loss may lead to compensatory changes in the gut hormones, contributing to weight regain. Current investigations are geared toward understanding the role gut hormones have in achieving and maintaining weight loss, whether through specific diets, exercise, bariatric surgery, or pharma-cologic agents.