Gut Hormones in Health and Obesity: The Upcoming Role of Short Chain Fatty Acids |
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Authors: | Habeeb Alhabeeb Ali AlFaiz Emad Kutbi Dayel AlShahrani Abdullah Alsuhail Saleh AlRajhi Nemer Alotaibi Khalid Alotaibi Saad AlAmri Saleh Alghamdi Naji AlJohani |
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Affiliation: | 1.Research Center, King Fahad Medical City—KFMC, Riyadh 11525, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (E.K.); (D.A.); (A.A.); (S.A.); (S.A.);2.Family Medicine, King Fahad Medical City—KFMC, Riyadh 11525, Saudi Arabia;3.College of Medicine, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.); (K.A.);4.Obesity, Endocrine, and Metabolism Center, King Fahad Medical City—KFMC, Riyadh 11525, Saudi Arabia; |
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Abstract: | We are currently facing an obesity pandemic, with worldwide obesity rates having tripled since 1975. Obesity is one of the main risk factors for the development of non-communicable diseases, which are now the leading cause of death worldwide. This calls for urgent action towards understanding the underlying mechanisms behind the development of obesity as well as developing more effective treatments and interventions. Appetite is carefully regulated in humans via the interaction between the central nervous system and peripheral hormones. This involves a delicate balance in external stimuli, circulating satiating and appetite stimulating hormones, and correct functioning of neuronal signals. Any changes in this equilibrium can lead to an imbalance in energy intake versus expenditure, which often leads to overeating, and potentially weight gain resulting in overweight or obesity. Several lines of research have shown imbalances in gut hormones are found in those who are overweight or obese, which may be contributing to their condition. Therefore, this review examines the evidence for targeting gut hormones in the treatment of obesity by discussing how their dysregulation influences food intake, the potential possibility of altering the circulating levels of these hormones for treating obesity, as well as the role of short chain fatty acids and protein as novel treatments. |
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Keywords: | obesity gut hormones short chain fatty acids diabetes overweight food intake appetite glucagon-like peptide-1 peptide tyrosine tyrosine neuropeptide Y |
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