HIGHLIGHTS
A 2021 study shows how GLP1 suppresses appetite
Pathways that operate independently, but share a common goal, are the key.
GLP1 causes distention and satiety.
This small protein directly affects the gut and brain via the Gut Brain Axis.
The complications and health concerns associated with obesity and being overweight are incredibly serious. Recent data shows that your chances of becoming seriously ill and dying from viral infections, such as COVID-19, are significantly higher if you are obese.
In this article, I wanted to share with you some recent research showing how a simple protein can reduce appetite in a beautiful and subtle way.
One of the leading journals, Cell, published a paper entitled "An inter-organ neural circuit for appetite suppression," which shows that a set of proteins called Glucagon Like Peptide 1 (GLP1) can suppress appetite in at least two different ways (1). GLP1 does this using parallel pathways.
Parallel pathways are biological pathways, such as neural and hormonal pathways, that operate independently of each other to achieve a common goal.
Parallel pathways are fundamental to how humans are organized.
GLP1 is a simple and small protein that can suppress appetite.
GLP1 acts on the receptors in the gut, receptors that are part of the Enteric Nervous System (ENS). The ENS is your little brain in the gut, it is automatic and out of your control.
GLP1 binds to neurons in the brain, and these neurons do two things.
1. They cause the gut to be distended, which ultimately makes you feel full. This small protein stimulates these gut-based neurons, which changes the mechano-receptors of the ENS. This causes distension, which can be mild or severe. This would depend on the individual and the amount of GLP1 present.
First of all, we have GLP1 acting at the level of the gut.
2. The second mechanism of appetite suppression is a path from the gut to the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a cluster of neurons the size of a marble that sits above the roof of the mouth. When GLP1 stimulates the hypothalamus, it activates pathways in the brain that trigger satiety, the feeling of fullness.
Remarkably, GLP1 also suppresses appetite through brain mechanisms.
So we have a small protein released into the gut that causes distension, something physical and satiety, something neurological.
These remarkable findings have triggered the investigation, study and release of new medicines. These are in the form of a GLP1 stimulant that attempts to stimulate the endogenous production of GLP1 by the body, or as a synthetic version of GLP1, which acts as your own GLP1.
The current results of the study are impressive, and could change the game for people with diabetes and obesity. The ultimate goal would be controlled, healthy weight loss, to support people in their health. GLP1 does this in two ways: directly in the gut and via the gut brain axis, which is your biochemical signalling pathway between the gut and the central nervous system.
Yerba Mate is a popular caffeinated tea drink that can promote the release of GLP1.
This is in a low-dose form, but if you like the benefits of caffeine and other healthy ingredients in this herbal tea, it would be a good option.
What I find amazing is how the brain and body always act together.
Independent in the brain or body, aligned with a common goal or through communication between brain and body.
Almost always, this communication will be bidirectional, brain to body and body to brain. Amazing.
Simon Brazier. Dip HN, NNCP
simon@truehope.com
REFERENCES
1. Tong Zhang, Matthew H. Perkins, Hao Chang, Wenfei Han, Ivan E. de Araujo,
An inter-organ neural circuit for appetite suppression,
Cell,Volume 185, Issue 14, 2022, Pages 2478-2494.e28,
ISSN 0092-8674, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.05.007.