Satiety is the physiological state of feeling full and satisfied following a meal, which inhibits the desire to eat again and determines the duration of the interval until the next food intake. This complex sensation is a critical component of energy homeostasis and appetite regulation, governed by a sophisticated interplay of mechanical distension, nutrient sensing, and circulating hormonal signals. Optimal satiety signaling is essential for maintaining a stable energy balance and preventing excess caloric consumption.
Origin
The term Satiety is derived from the Latin word satietas, meaning “enough” or “fullness.” Its physiological study became a distinct field of research with the realization that appetite control is not merely psychological but is regulated by quantifiable biological signals. The identification of key gut peptides and their central nervous system targets in the mid-20th century provided the molecular basis for understanding this sensation.
Mechanism
Satiety is mediated by the coordinated release of anorexigenic (appetite-suppressing) gut hormones, such as Cholecystokinin (CCK), Peptide YY (PYY), and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1), in response to nutrient presence in the gastrointestinal tract. These hormones signal via the vagus nerve to the brainstem and hypothalamus, particularly the arcuate nucleus, where they modulate the activity of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons. Additionally, mechanical stretch receptors in the stomach contribute to the immediate feeling of fullness.
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