Eating protein, weight loss, and the PYY Hormone
Researchers have discovered why high protein diets can help tackle obesity – it isn’t what Dr. Adkins thought. Research has discovered that a gut hormone plays a key role in regulating appetite by sending signals to the brain indicating fullness. The hormone, called peptide YY (PYY), is increased via the consumption of high protein foods.Increasing levels of this hormone reduces hunger and food intake.
Although there has been evidence to suggest high protein diets are effective in achieving and maintaining weight loss, the reasons for this have been unclear. The research, published in Cell Metabolism, sheds light on the role played by PYY in this process.
Researchers in London found that in both obese and normal weight subjects a high protein diet brought about the highest levels of PYY and the greatest reduction in hunger. These findings in humans led to the development of an animal model to explore the role of PYY further. Mice also produce PYY and eat less when given a high protein diet.
The findings suggest a possible cause for the current obesity epidemic, as research shows our diets have shifted from being protein-rich in our hunter-gatherer days to carbohydrate-rich today. “Nearly half of our energy intake now stems from carbohydrates, while only 16% comes from protein,” said Dr Batterham, one of the head researchers.
This research suggests that an increase in the protein content of the diet may help tackle obesity. However, large scale clinical trials are needed before high- protein low-fat diets can be recommended.
I am currently looking into how acupuncture and Oriental medicine use may be able to mimic this effect.
If you would like to know more about eating healthy and weight loss, please contact me.
