Changes in the Homeostatic Appetite System After Weight Loss Reflect a Normalization Toward a Lower Body Weight

Abstract

Objective To compare appetite markers in reduced-obese individuals with a non-obese control group. Methods 34 adults with obesity who lost 17% body weight at week 13 (Wk13) and maintained this weight loss (WL) at 1 year (1Y) were compared with 33 non-obese controls matched for body composition. Basal and postprandial subjective appetite ratings and appetite-related hormone concentrations (ghrelin, PYY, PYY_3-36, total and active GLP-1, and CCK) were measured in all participants and repeated at Wk13 and 1Y in the weight-reduced group. Results WL led to a reduction in prospective food consumption and an increase in feelings of hunger, fullness, and ghrelin secretion (basal and postprandial), but these new ratings were no different from those seen in controls. Postprandial concentrations of active GLP-1, total PYY, and CCK were lower in individuals with obesity at all time points compared with controls. Conclusion The increased drive to eat (both subjective feelings of hunger and ghrelin concentrations) seen in reduced-obese individuals, both after acute and sustained WL, reflects a normalization towards a lower body weight. Overall, WL does not have a sustained negative impact on satiety peptide secretion, despite a blunted secretion in individuals with obesity compared with non-obese controls.