Which peptide is associated with short-term regulation of food intake?

PYY, or peptide YY, plays a significant role in the short-term regulation of food intake. It is a hormone released by the intestinal cells after eating, particularly in response to the presence of food in the gut. High levels of PYY signal to the brain that the body has received adequate nutrition, leading to a decrease in appetite and a sensation of fullness. This feedback mechanism is crucial in helping regulate meal size and frequency to prevent overeating.

PYY acts rapidly, contributing to the immediate feeling of satiety following a meal, thereby influencing short-term food intake. In contrast, other peptides such as insulin and leptin are more associated with longer-term energy regulation and body weight management. Insulin is involved in glucose metabolism and energy storage, while leptin is linked to long-term energy balance and fat storage management. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) primarily stimulates appetite as a neurotransmitter and is not readily associated with signaling satiety. Thus, PYY stands out as the key peptide connected to the short-term control of food consumption.