Dietary self control becomes much easier when appetite is not raging out of control.

Appetite appears to be controlled by multiple systems that signal the brain about the nutritional status of the organism.

Gut Hormones

Grehlin signals the brain that the stomach is empty. Cholecystokinin (CCK), PPY and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) signal the brain that the stomach is full.

Leptin, secreted by the fat cells, is part of a feedback system that informs the brain of the amount of bodyfat. Low levels of leptin signal the brain that the organism is starving and appetite is upregulated.

Modulating the gut hormone levels is an exciting new way to control appetite. Previous appetite suppressants modulated neurotransmitters.

Feeling Hungry?

Neurotransmitters

Neuropeptide Y is a major appetite stimulant. Serotonin also appears to be involved. Most likely these are signaled by the gut hormones.

Norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter that stimulants modulate to decrease appetite.

Circulatory Hormones

Insulin, cortisol and thyroid hormones increase appetite. These major hormones are best controlled by lifestyle, i.e. avoiding stress, moderate exercise and eating quality, whole foods.

Appetite Control Top Six

1. Fiber. In various forms, fiber is an excellent appetite suppressant. Some fibers increase CCK.
2. DLPA. A combination of both the L- and D- forms of phenylalanine, DLPA increases both CCK and norepinephrine. Take it on an empty stomach.
3. 5-HTP. Increases serotonin levels, which decreases appetite.
4. Green Tea. In addition to being a fantastic antioxidant, green tea positively affects leptin signaling.
5. Long Chain Fatty Acids. The longer chain fatty acids release more CCK and GLP-1.
6. Leucine. This amino acid signals the brain, via mTOR, that ample protein is available.