Dietary Polyphenols in Obesity Management: Targeting GLP-1 Secretion and Metabolic Health

Introduction:
The global prevalence of obesity continues to rise, with projections indicating that over half of the world’s population may be affected by 2035. Obesity is a multifactorial condition closely associated with chronic oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant systems. This oxidative stress exacerbates metabolic dysfunction, interferes with appetite regulation, and promotes weight gain. Conventional weight loss strategies, including calorie restriction and increased physical activity, often prove challenging for individuals with obesity due to persistent hunger and increased food intake (hyperphagia). These issues are primarily driven by elevated orexigenic hormones and reduced anorexigenic signaling, making sustainable weight management difficult. This study aims to explore the therapeutic potential of natural compounds, specifically dietary polyphenols with antioxidant properties, to enhance the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an anorexigenic hormone that plays a critical role in appetite regulation.
Materials and Methods:
An in vitro screening of natural compounds was conducted using NCI-H716 enteroendocrine cells to identify polyphenols with significant GLP-1-stimulating effects. Two polyphenols showing the highest efficacy were selected for further evaluation in a diet-induced obesity mouse model. Mice received oral gavage administration of these polyphenols, and their food intake and metabolic markers, including cholesterol and triglycerides, were monitored.
Results:
The selected polyphenols significantly enhanced GLP-1 secretion in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. In the mouse model, these compounds effectively reduced food intake, improved cholesterol levels, and attenuated weight gain, suggesting their therapeutic potential.
Conclusion:
Dietary polyphenols with antioxidant and appetite-regulating properties show great potential as a natural strategy to address obesity by enhancing anorexigenic hormone secretion and improving metabolic markers such as cholesterol levels. With further research and clinical validation, these compounds could be developed into nutraceuticals or incorporated into dietary approaches to support sustainable weight management and overall metabolic health.