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The hormone ghrelin (pronounced GRAY-lin), discovered in 1999, is produced by endocrine cells in the stomach. It is a potent appetite stimulant, and it decreases metabolic rate and fat catabolism. Results from a new study indicate that ghrelin has an important role in human appetite and obesity.
Plasma levels of ghrelin were measured (every 30 to 60 minutes for 24 hours) in 13 obese subjects, before and after a 6-month dietary program that produced a mean 17% weight loss. At baseline, ghrelin levels rose before each meal and fell promptly after eating. After weight loss, ghrelin levels cycled similarly but were higher both before and after meals then they had been at baseline. In contrast, in 5 additional patients with large weight losses (m…