The Science of Hunger & Medications to Combat Obesity | Dr. Zachary Knight

This podcast episode explores the regulation of food intake by the brain and the role of neural circuits in appetite control. The brain has short-term and long-term systems that work together to ensure eating behaviors align with energy needs. The discovery of leptin, a hormone that signals body fat levels, has provided insights into appetite regulation and potential therapeutic targets for weight management. However, in obese individuals with leptin resistance, weight loss is challenging. The role of AGRP neurons in appetite regulation is also discussed, as well as the influence of genetics and the environment on obesity. The podcast also explores the relationship between food choices, neurology, and appetite regulation. The effects of GLP-1 agonists on weight loss and the potential benefits of tirzepatide are explored, along with the role of dopamine in feeding behavior and the brain's response to food. The separate systems controlling salt appetite, thirst, and hunger are discussed, emphasizing the brain's predictive abilities. Finally, the importance of protein consumption and dispelling myths about fluid consumption during meals are highlighted.