Research

Hormonal

Cholecystokinin (CCK) acts as a primary intestinal satiety signal that regulates food intake via CCK1 receptors on afferent vagal fibers, with its secretion dynamics altered by bariatric surgery but remaining largely unchanged in obesity.

CCK is your body's natural 'fullness' signal from the gut. In obesity, this signal isn't broken; levels are normal. However, bariatric surgery can enhance this signal significantly. Focus on dietary strategies that naturally stimulate CCK release (like protein/fat intake) rather than assuming a hormonal defect.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
CCK was the first identified intestinal satiety signal to the brain... CCK reaches the brain via CCK1 receptors expressed on afferent vagal fibers... the plasma CCK concentrations both in the fasting state and after intake of mixed meals are the same in lean and obese people.
Jens F. Rehfeld · Journal of Internal Medicine · 2025

Why this rating

Based on a comprehensive review of human studies, animal models, and established physiological pathways described in a peer-reviewed journal.

Source

Cholecystokinin: Clinical aspects of the new biology

Jens F. Rehfeld · Journal of Internal Medicine · 2025

DOI 10.1111/joim.20110

narrative_reviewCited 4×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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