All articles tagged with #appetite
THC activates CB1 receptors in brain regions tied to hunger and reward, amplifying the drive to eat by mimicking endocannabinoids and creating a heightened sense of hunger; individual responses vary with dose, tolerance, and how the cannabis is consumed.
GLP-1 drugs (used for diabetes and obesity) reveal that hunger is a fluctuating biological signal governed by gut hormones and digestion, not willpower alone. By prolonging the post‑meal satiety state and slowing gastric emptying, these medications can achieve about 5–8% weight loss, though effects often fade after stopping and weight can be regained. Appetite regulation emerges from a gut–brain axis involving hormones like GLP‑1 and ghrelin, influenced by activity, nutrition, circadian rhythms, and the food environment. The broader implications include shifts in how obesity is understood, as well as ongoing questions about long‑term use, access, and nutrition management alongside treatment.
Chilling cooked starches like rice and potatoes can convert some starch into resistant starch, which may blunt blood sugar spikes and reduce cravings, potentially aiding weight loss; more research is needed, but practical tips include cooling carb-rich leftovers or serving cooled versions.
A British biotech company has developed a cannabis-inspired drug, ART27.13, that helps cancer patients gain weight and improve activity levels by enhancing appetite without causing a high, showing promising results in phase two trials and potential for future approval and use.
Scientists are researching ways to counteract cachexia, a wasting condition in cancer patients, by targeting biological pathways like interleukin-6, aiming to improve quality of life and survival rates, and develop an 'anti-Ozempic' approach to boost appetite and resilience in patients.
Cravings and appetite changes are not reliable indicators of cancer, despite popular stories; they can be caused by various factors, and only specific signs like ice chewing linked to iron deficiency should prompt medical testing. For cancer detection, rely on established symptoms and screening rather than single food cravings.
ADHD medications can impact children's appetites, leading to potential nutritional concerns. Parents and caregivers can manage these effects by monitoring dietary intake, ensuring balanced meals, and consulting healthcare professionals for personalized strategies. It's important to address these side effects to maintain children's overall health and well-being while managing ADHD symptoms.
Scientists have discovered a new type of neuron, BNC2, that rapidly inhibits hunger signals in the brain, offering a fast-acting mechanism for satiety. This finding, published in Nature, could lead to new treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders by expanding the understanding of appetite regulation and providing new therapeutic targets. BNC2 neurons, activated by leptin, quickly suppress appetite and alleviate hunger-related negative feelings, potentially redefining how feeding is regulated.
A study by the University of Virginia suggests that high-intensity workouts are more effective at suppressing appetite than moderate exercise, due to their impact on reducing ghrelin hormone levels. The research, involving 14 participants, found that vigorous exercise led to lower hunger levels, particularly in women. The study highlights the complex relationship between exercise and appetite, suggesting that workouts above the lactate threshold may be necessary for appetite suppression, which could aid in weight loss programs. The findings are published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
A study published in Nature reveals that appetite in mice is controlled by a simple brain circuit involving three types of neurons. These neurons detect hunger-signaling hormones, regulate jaw movement for chewing, and may operate reflexively, similar to a reflex action. The research suggests that if a similar circuit exists in humans, it could reshape our understanding of obesity, emphasizing physiological over personal decision factors. The study also links these findings to existing theories on hunger and body weight regulation.
Research suggests that waking up earlier than usual can disrupt your appetite clock, leading to increased hunger throughout the day. Studies indicate that appetite is lowest around normal wake-up times and peaks in the evening, influenced by hormones like leptin, ghrelin, and insulin. Consistent sleep and balanced meals can help maintain a stable appetite.
Scientists have long studied the phenomenon of "the munchies" associated with cannabis use, with a 2015 study from Yale University School of Medicine revealing that marijuana tricks the brain into feeling hungry even when full. This is due to THC latching onto cannabinoid receptors in the brain and altering the perception of food smell and taste, as well as flipping a switch in the hypothalamus to drive hunger. Recent animal studies at Washington State University have further explored this, potentially leading to improved treatments for appetite disorders.
A new study has found that replacing sugar with artificial and natural sweeteners in foods does not increase hunger and can help lower blood sugar levels, providing benefits for people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The double blind randomized controlled trial, led by the University of Leeds, provides strong evidence that sweeteners do not negatively impact appetite and are beneficial for reducing sugar intake. The study, part of the SWEET consortium, is the first of its kind to look at the effects of sweeteners on appetite and glycemia using food products, and it found that sweeteners can be a helpful tool to reduce added sugar intake without leading to increased appetite or energy intake.
"Botched" star Terry Dubrow tried the weight-loss drug Ozempic and called it "a miracle," but eventually stopped taking it because it took "all the joy of eating away." Dubrow, a plastic surgeon, wanted to experience the effects of the drug despite not needing to lose much weight. While he praised its slimming effects, he missed having an appetite and the enjoyment of eating. Ozempic, initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, was approved for weight management by the FDA in 2021, but it has side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and changes in taste perception.
"Botched" star Terry Dubrow tried the weight-loss drug Ozempic and called it "a miracle," but ultimately stopped taking it because it took "all the joy of eating away." Despite praising its slimming effects, Dubrow admitted missing having an appetite and the enjoyment of eating. Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, was initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes but was approved for weight management by the FDA in 2021. However, it has side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and altering food preferences.