The number of overweight individuals is increasing worldwide, and while many people are successful in losing weight, maintaining weight loss can be challenging.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that the hormone neurotensin may play a role in predicting whether individuals can maintain weight loss.
This proof-of-concept study is the first to investigate the relationship between neurotensin and weight loss induced by a low-calorie diet.
The Role of Neurotensin in Weight Loss: Neurotensin is a hormone released by the intestines when we eat.
It is one of several appetite gut hormones that provide information to the brain, influencing our feelings of hunger and fullness.
The study focused on understanding how neurotensin levels change during weight loss and whether it affects weight maintenance.
Study Findings
The study involved both obese mice and human participants who underwent an eight-week low-calorie diet.
The researchers observed that weight loss led to a decrease in neurotensin levels in both mice and humans.
Interestingly, individuals who were successful in maintaining weight loss released more neurotensin compared to those who regained weight.
Neurotensin’s Appetite-Inhibiting Effect: The researchers speculate that the appetite-inhibiting effect of neurotensin may play a role in weight maintenance.
Individuals who regained weight may lack this appetite-inhibiting effect. The study suggests that neurotensin may help explain why some people are more successful than others in maintaining weight loss.
Exploring Appetite Hormones for Weight Maintenance
The study builds upon previous research that has shown how other gut hormones released in larger amounts after obesity surgery contribute to weight loss maintenance.
Neurotensin’s role in diet-induced weight loss had not been investigated before this study.
Understanding the effects of neurotensin and other appetite hormones can provide insights into potential treatments and combinations of hormones for weight maintenance.
Challenges Ahead
While the study shows promise, the researchers acknowledge that there is still much to learn.
Previous discoveries with the hormone leptin, which is involved in weight regulation, demonstrated that its levels drop during weight loss.
However, individuals with obesity are often resistant to leptin and do not respond to it for weight loss. It remains uncertain whether neurotensin follows a similar pattern.
Further research is needed to fully understand the potential of neurotensin and its role in weight management.
The hormone neurotensin may have implications in predicting the success of weight loss maintenance.
The study suggests that individuals who release more neurotensin after weight loss are more likely to maintain their weight loss.
Further research is needed to explore the potential of neurotensin and other appetite hormones in developing effective treatments and combinations for long-term weight management.
Understanding the complexities of weight regulation and the role of hormones can help address the global challenge of obesity and improve strategies for weight loss maintenance.
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The study was published in Metabolism.
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