Glucagon-like peptide-1: a potent regulator of food intake in humans

TLDR

Glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) has been shown in animals to regulate satiety, but its role in human food intake had not been examined. In a double‑blind, placebo‑controlled study, 16 healthy men received graded intravenous GLP‑1 doses (0, 0.375, 0.75, 1.5 pmol kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) while researchers measured food intake, hunger, and satiety. GLP‑1 infusion produced a dose‑dependent 35 % reduction in food intake, 32 % reduction in calories, 18 % reduction in fluid intake, and decreased hunger and increased early fullness, with no adverse effects, indicating GLP‑1’s role in early satiety in humans.

Abstract

Background/Aims Studies in animals suggest a physiological role for glucagon-like peptide-1-(7–36)-amide (GLP-1) in regulating satiety. The role of GLP-1 in regulating food intake in man has, however, not been investigated. Subjects—Sixteen healthy male subjects were examined in a double blind placebo controlled fashion. Methods The effect of graded intravenous doses (0, 0.375, 0.75, and 1.5 pmol/kg/min) of synthetic human GLP-1 on food intake and feelings of hunger and satiety was tested in healthy volunteers. Results Graded GLP-1 infusions resulted in a dose dependent reduction in food intake (maximal inhibition 35%, p<0.001 v control) and a similar reduction in calorie intake (32%; p<0.001). Fluid ingestion was also reduced by GLP-1 (18% reduction, p<0.01). No overt side effects were produced by GLP-1, but subjects experienced less hunger and early fullness in the period before a meal during GLP-1 infusion at the highest dose (p<0.05). Conclusions Intravenous infusions of GLP-1 decrease spontaneous food intake even at physiological plasma concentrations, implying an important role for GLP-1 in the regulation of the early satiety response in humans.