Hormonal
Activation of mesolimbic GLP-1 receptors (specifically in the VTA and NAc) reduces food reward and intake by lowering the hedonic value and incentive salience of palatable foods, independent of nausea or general motor suppression.
GLP-1 based therapies (like semaglutide or liraglutide) work partly by reducing the 'reward' or 'craving' for highly palatable foods, not just by signaling fullness. This is achieved through action in the brain's reward centers (VTA/NAc). While current peripheral injections may cause nausea, the mechanism suggests that future targeted therapies could reduce cravings without the sickness, making it easier to stick to dietary goals by lowering the hedonic value of food.
Results reviewed here support the idea that mesolimbic GLP-1R are sufficient to reduce hunger-driven feeding, the hedonic value of food and food-motivation.
Why this rating
Based on multiple consistent preclinical studies (microinjections, knockout models) showing robust effects, though human clinical data on reward specifically is noted as missing.
Source
The central GLP-1: implications for food and drug reward
Karolina P. Skibicka · Frontiers in Neuroscience · 2013
DOI 10.3389/fnins.2013.00181
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- GLP-1 receptor stimulation reduces alcohol consumption and reward, particularly in individuals with high baseline alcohol intake, by acting on the mesolimbic system.Moderate
- GLP-1 receptor stimulation attenuates the reward effects of psychostimulants (cocaine and amphetamine) and nicotine, suggesting a role for endogenous GLP-1 in curbing drug reward.Moderate
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