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Satiety Hormone Sensitivity

Meaning

Satiety hormone sensitivity quantifies the responsiveness of the brain’s appetite centers, primarily in the hypothalamus, to circulating peptide hormones released by the gut and adipose tissue, such as leptin, ghrelin, and peptide YY (PYY). High sensitivity indicates an effective feedback loop where hormone signals accurately register fullness, leading to appropriate cessation of eating and maintenance of energy balance. Reduced sensitivity, or resistance, is a major physiological driver of hyperphagia and weight dysregulation.