| 9:30 a.m.–noon | Minisymposium |
Neural Mechanisms of Satiety and Satiation
Chair: Alexander R. Nectow, MD, PhD • Co-Chair: Stephen Zhang, PhD|MCP: Room S100BC|
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“The men who drank either unsweetened or artificially sweetened carbonated water had triple the blood levels of ghrelin (increases appetite) as those who drank plain water or degassed sparkling water. The study rotated the four beverages among all of the participants, so, by the end of the study, each man had partaken of each beverage. They concluded that the presence of carbon dioxide led to an increase in ghrelin production.”
So this suggests it might be helpful for me to gain muscle mass if I drink more carbonated water. My body must be producing leptin (appetite suppressant) as soon as I try to gain weight, making it revolting for me to try to keep eating and difficult to add weight despite regular resistance exercise.
If I add carbonation to my weight gaining regimen and it increases ghrelin and improves appetite, that would be an important finding in the fight against sarcopenia.
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Under low protein conditions: FGF21 levels rise significantly, acting as a “protein hunger” signal. This increase helps drive specific protein-seeking behavior - not just general hunger, but a targeted appetite for protein-rich foods. The liver produces more FGF21 when amino acid availability is low, particularly essential amino acids. This mechanism helps ensure adequate protein intake for survival.
Under high protein conditions: FGF21 levels can also increase, but here it serves a different function - acting more as a satiety signal and metabolic regulator. High protein intake, especially if it creates amino acid imbalances or excess, triggers FGF21 release that can suppress overall appetite and increase energy expenditure. This helps prevent overconsumption and maintains metabolic balance.
The broader mechanism: FGF21 appears to be part of a sophisticated system that monitors protein quality and quantity. It can distinguish between different amino acid profiles and responds accordingly. When protein is inadequate, it drives seeking behavior. When protein is excessive or imbalanced, it promotes satiety and metabolic adjustment.
Cutting this one Essential Nutrient supercharges your Metabolism!
My IGF-1 is super high. I also drink carbonated water daily. Is my carbonated water habit getting me jacked?
“Studies suggests that ghrelin is a powerful pharmacological agent that exerts a potent, time-dependent stimulation of pulsatile secretion of GH.” Ghrelin: Ghrelin as a Regulatory Peptide in Growth Hormone Secretion Ghrelin: Ghrelin as a Regulatory Peptide in Growth Hormone Secretion - PMC
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I have been drinking carbonated water daily to increase my appetite. I cant tell if it has helped my appetite, but I have been able to consume enough calories and protein, despite poor appetite, to progress against sarcopenia and to make some muscle gains.
While I cant rule out the possibility that it contributed to GH, I dont test my IGF-1, and my feeling is that other factors were much more important.
Have you considered something like MK677?