The Endocannabinoid System and Eating Behaviours: a Review of the Current State of the Evidence

The objective of the current report is to summarise the available evidence on the ENS and eating behaviour from both animal and human studies.Recent FindingsThe literature reviewed demonstrates a clear link between the ENS and eating behaviours. Overall, studies indicate that 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) via cannabinoid receptor-1 (CNR1) binding may stimulate hunger and food intake while oleylethanolamide (OEA) may inhibit hunger. Mechanisms of these associations are not yet well understood, although the evidence suggests that there may be interactions with other physiological systems to consider. Most studies have been conducted in animal models, with few human studies available.SummaryAdditional research is warranted among human populations into the ENS and eating behaviour. Evaluation of relationships between variation in ENS genes and dietary outcomes is an important area for investigation.

Source: Current Nutrition Reports - August 18, 2022 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research