Appetite and Satiety: Key Concepts and Practical Insights (SNP35)

Listen Here:

Click or simply search “Sigma Nutrition” on your podcast platform of choice.

Or listen directly on the Sigma website here.

Introduction

Appetite and satiety are fundamental concepts shaping how we eat, why we feel hunger, and what keeps us satisfied after meals. From the biological signals sent by our gut to the psychological influences of food cues, understanding these processes can provide valuable insights into how we manage our food intake.

In this episode, we delve into the interplay between hormones, food properties, and external factors that regulate appetite and fullness, exploring how these mechanisms work together—or sometimes fail—in modern eating environments.

We will examine fascinating topics such as the satiety cascade, sensory-specific satiety, and the impact of nutrient composition on hunger regulation. This episode also highlights how individual differences, such as satiety phenotypes, shape eating behavior, offering a nuanced perspective on the science of satiety.

Whether you’re interested in applying these concepts to your diet or supporting others in managing hunger, this discussion offers practical takeaways grounded in scientific evidence.

Related resources

Timestamps

The Hosts

Click through to your app of choice to listen and subscribe:

Dr. Alan Flanagan has a PhD in nutrition from the University of Surrey, where his doctoral research focused on circadian rhythms, feeding, and chrononutrition.

This work was based on human intervention trials. He also has a Masters in Nutritional Medicine from the same institution.

Dr. Flanagan is a regular co-host of Sigma Nutrition Radio. He also produces written content for Sigma Nutrition, as part of his role as Research Communication Officer.

Dr. Alan Flanagan
a PhD in nutrition from the University of Surrey

Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, and he is the founder of Sigma Nutrition.

Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.

Danny Lennon
MSc. in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork

Introduction to this Episode

Appetite and satiety are fundamental concepts shaping how we eat, why we feel hunger, and what keeps us satisfied after meals. From the biological signals sent by our gut to the psychological influences of food cues, understanding these processes can provide valuable insights into how we manage our food intake.

In this episode, we delve into the interplay between hormones, food properties, and external factors that regulate appetite and fullness, exploring how these mechanisms work together—or sometimes fail—in modern eating environments.

We will examine fascinating topics such as the satiety cascade, sensory-specific satiety, and the impact of nutrient composition on hunger regulation. This episode also highlights how individual differences, such as satiety phenotypes, shape eating behavior, offering a nuanced perspective on the science of satiety.

Whether you’re interested in applying these concepts to your diet or supporting others in managing hunger, this discussion offers practical takeaways grounded in scientific evidence.

Useful Terminology for this Episode

Key Terms & Acronyms
  • Satiety cascade: A framework describing how various cognitive, sensory, and physiological signals regulate appetite and fullness throughout the process of eating and digestion.
  • Sensory-specific satiety: A phenomenon where the appeal of a specific food decreases as it is consumed, but appetite may spike for a different flavor or texture.
  • Ghrelin: A hormone released by the stomach that stimulates appetite and signals the brain when energy levels are low.
  • PYY (peptide YY): A gut hormone released after eating that helps signal fullness and suppresses appetite.
  • Circadian rhythms: Biological processes that follow a 24-hour cycle, influencing factors like energy expenditure, hunger, and hormonal responses throughout the day.

Premium Content

You are currently not signed-in as a Premium subscriber.

To view our Premium content, please log-in to your account or subscribe to Premium.

Explore

Unlock the Power of Sigma Nutrition with Premium

Significantly deepen your understanding of nutrition science and become truly confident in your knowledge.