Altered Gut Hormone Secretion Precedes Overeating Following Acute Energy Deprivation

Altered secretion and action of appetite mediating hormones may contribute to compensatory overeating following energy deprivation (ED), but underlying mechanisms are not well defined. To isolate effects of ED from reduced diet volume on appetite mediating hormones and self‐rated appetite, 21 nonobese adults consumed isovolumetric diets differing in energy density over separate 2d periods of energy balance (EB) and 93% ED while engaging in substantial daily exercise. Postprandial glucose, insulin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), peptide‐YY, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), active ghrelin, and self‐rated appetite were measured following a standardized meal, and ad libitum energy intake over the subsequent 36h was measured. Baseline glucose, insulin, leptin and ghrelin concentrations were reduced by ED, P<0.05. Following ED, postprandial glucose, insulin, GLP‐1 and PP responses were higher than following EB while ghrelin remained lower, P<0.05. Relative to EB, appetite was greater during and following ED, with ad libitum energy intake increasing to 125% of habitual intake, 811 ± 1929 kcal higher than following EB, P=0.01. This study demonstrates ED alters appetite mediating hormone concentrations even when diet volume is the same as for EB. Reduced anorexigenic hormone secretion and enhanced sensitivity to the orexigenic hormone ghrelin may contribute to increased appetite during ED, while reduced sensitivity to postprandial anorexigenic hormone responses may precede and possibly contribute to compensatory overeating in response to ED. The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not reflect official policy of the Departments of the Army, Defense, or the U.S. Government. Support USAMRMC.