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— even before one bite of food**
Semaglutide drugs are used for weight loss due to their ability to mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 acts on the brain to curb appetite and induce a sensation of fullness. These drugs can make individuals feel full even before they start eating, contributing to reduced food intake and weight loss.
Mimic - to imitate closely, often for the purpose of entertainment or ridicule. In this context, it refers to how the drugs imitate the behavior of a hormone. (Spanish: Imitar)
Curb - to control or limit something. In this context, it refers to controlling or limiting the appetite. (Spanish: Controlar)
Fullness - a feeling of being filled to capacity. In this context, it refers to the sensation of being full even without eating. (Spanish: Saciedad)
Intake - the amount of food, drink, etc., that is taken into the body. In this context, it refers to the amount of food consumed. (Spanish: Ingesta)
Neurons that signal ‘I’m stuffed’
Scientists have identified two groups of neurons, one for pre-meal fullness and another for post-meal satiety /sa-tai-uh-ti/, which contribute to the sensation of fullness induced by certain obesity drugs. The drugs, which include liraglutide and semaglutide, mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) which acts on the brain to curb appetite. In a study, participants with obesity reported feeling full even before exposure to food when taking liraglutide, an effect dubbed 'preingestion satiation'.
The researchers found that these sensations are linked to a brain region that has GLP-1 receptors. By artificially stimulating neurons in mice, the researchers observed a decrease in eating. Conversely, inhibiting these neurons led to increased food intake.
The study also identified two distinct groups of neurons: one active from the moment mice started seeking food until they began eating and another that was active solely as the mice ate. Both groups of neurons were influenced by liraglutide, with neural activity higher in mice treated with the drug.
This research helps explain how GLP-1 drugs create a sensation of fullness and could have important implications for the treatment of obesity.
Satiety: a feeling or state of being sated or satisfied, usually after a meal. (Spanish: Saciedad)
Mimic: to imitate closely, often for the purpose of entertainment or ridicule. In this context, it refers to how the drugs imitate the behavior of a hormone. (Spanish: Imitar)
Dubbed: to give a title, nickname, or description to. In this context, it refers to the naming of the effect as 'preingestion satiation'. (Spanish: Apodado)