Augmented gut hormone response to feeding in older adults exhibiting low appetite

• Published in: Appetite 2024-10, Vol.201, p.107415, Article 107415
• Main Authors: Dagbasi, Aygul, Warner, Jordan, Catterall, Victoria, Smith, Kieran, Crabtree, Daniel R., Carroll, Bernadette, Frost, Gary, Holliday, Adrian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ageing; Anorexia of ageing; Hunger; Malnutrition; Satiety
• ISSN: 0195-6663; 1095-8304; 1095-8304
• DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107415

Age-related changes in gut hormones may play a role in anorexia of ageing. The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of ghrelin, PYY, and GLP-1 in older adults exhibiting an anorexia of ageing phenotype. Thirteen older adults with healthy appetite (OA-HA; 8f, 75 ± 7 years, 26.0 ± 3.2 kg m−2), fifteen older adults with low appetite (OA-LA; 10f, 72 ± 7 years, 23.6 ± 3.1 kg m−2), and twelve young adults (YA; 6f, 22 ± 2 years, 24.4 ± 2.0 kg m−2) completed the study. Healthy appetite and low appetite were determined based on BMI, habitual energy intake, self-reported appetite, and laboratory-assessed ad libitum lunch intake. Participants provided a fasted measure of subjective appetite and blood sample (0 min) before consuming a standardised breakfast (450 kcal). Appetite was measured and blood samples were drawn throughout a 240-min rest period. At 240 min, an ad libitum lunch meal was consumed. Relative intake at lunch (expressed as percentage of estimated total energy requirement) was lower for OA-LA (19.8 ± 7.7%) than YA (41.5 ± 9.2%, p