Hormone
Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) helps regulate your appetite, especially after eating. It also helps enhance the production of insulin. GLP-1 is produced in the gut. The cells in the small intestine are the main source of GLP-1. The pancreas and nervous system also produce GLP-1, but in smaller amounts. GLP-1 helps you feel full during and between meals by working with the brain and by slowly emptying the stomach.
Eating food helps stimulate your body to release GLP-1. The hormone can be found as soon as 10 minutes after eating. GLP-1 stays in your body hours after eating and circulates in the blood.
Cases of in which patients have too much GLP-1 are extremely rare. However, medications have been created that act similar to GLP-1 in blood circulation to help control glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 levels may also increase after bariatric surgery.
If your body does not produce enough GLP-1, it may increase the odds of becoming obese. The main role of GLP-1 is to regulate your appetite after a meal. If your body isn’t releasing enough of this hormone, you may find yourself overeating or snacking between meals. However more research is needed to confirm this. People who are dieting or losing weight naturally may also experience low GLP-1 levels.
If you are dieting and trying to control your weight, understanding the role of GLP-1 may help. Consider asking your doctor:
Find an endocrinologist today to ensure that you are on the path to health with the right medical care. Keep Your Body In Balance!
You may know that GLP-1 agonists are used to treat type 2 diabetes, provides cardiovascular benefits, and lowers the risk for heart disease. But do you know how GLP-1 receptor agonists affect organs and tissues? Learn more or refresh your memory by playing this classic game of Operation!
The Hormone Health Network is the public education affiliate of the Endocrine Society dedicated to helping both patients and doctors find information on the prevention, treatment and cure of hormone-related conditions.
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