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

Background/Aims—Studiesin animals suggest a physiological role for glucagon-likepeptide-1-(7-36)-amide (GLP-1) in regulating satiety. The role ofGLP-1 in regulating food intake in man has, however, not been investigated.
Subjects—Sixteen healthy male subjects were examined in adouble blind placebo controlled fashion.
Methods—The effect ofgraded intravenous doses (0,0.375, 0.75, and 1.5 pmol/kg/min) ofsynthetic human GLP-1 on food intake and feelings of hunger and satietywas tested in healthy volunteers.
Results—Graded GLP-1infusions resulted in a dose dependent reduction in food intake(maximal inhibition 35%, p<0.001 vcontrol) and a similar reduction in calorie intake (32%; p<0.001). Fluid ingestion was also reduced by GLP-1 (18% reduction, p<0.01). Noovert side effects were produced by GLP-1, but subjects experienced less hunger and early fullness in the period before a meal during GLP-1infusion at the highest dose (p<0.05).
Conclusions—Intravenousinfusions of GLP-1 decrease spontaneous food intake even atphysiological plasma concentrations, implying an important role forGLP-1 in the regulation of the early satiety response in humans.

Keywords:glucagon-like peptide-1; satiety; food intake; hunger and fullness score