Ghrelin predicts food consumption up to three hours prior to eating: A randomised controlled trial.
MetabolismJun 24, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchEndocrinology
Oliver J Hulme, Christoffer Martinussen, Barbara Vad Andersen et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial examined the predictive role of ghrelin on food consumption in a controlled setting. Participants underwent four test days with varying preload meals to assess how hormonal and subjective signals influenced next-meal intake. The study found strong evidence that ghrelin levels predicted energy intake up to three hours prior to eating, outperforming other measures.
Key findings
- Ghrelin was identified as a strong predictor of next meal energy intake across all time points.
- Plasma levels of GLP-1 and subjective consumption estimates also predicted next-meal intake.
- No other measures, including preload protein and caloric content, predicted next-meal intake.
Why it matters
Understanding the hormonal predictors of food intake can help clinicians better address issues related to appetite regulation and obesity management. Ghrelin's role may inform strategies for interventions targeting eating behaviors.