No, glucagon does not increase hunger. In fact, studies show it has the opposite effect.
Glucagon's Effect on Appetite and Food Intake
Research indicates that glucagon decreases food intake and body weight in both animals (rodents) and humans. This is supported by the observation that administering glucagon antibodies (which would effectively reduce glucagon levels) leads to increased meal size in rats.
- Reduced Food Intake: Peripherally administered glucagon demonstrably lowers the amount of food consumed.
- Weight Loss Association: The decrease in food intake contributes to a reduction in overall body weight.
- Opposite Effect of Glucagon Antibodies: The increase in meal size observed when glucagon is blocked further supports glucagon's role in suppressing appetite.
Therefore, glucagon's action is associated with reduced hunger and increased energy expenditure.
