Dietary bioactive compounds modulating satiety and appetite: mechanisms of action

Obesity and overweight represent critical public health problems worldwide, driving the search for effective strategies for their prevention and treatment. Modulating appetite and satiety through natural compounds present in the diet emerges as a promising approach to controlling energy intake and improving metabolic balance. This article reviews the molecular and physiological mechanisms involved in appetite regulation, including the function of gastrointestinal hormones (GLP-1, CCK, PYY, ghrelin), the role of the hypothalamus, and the influence of microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Different groups of compounds such as fibres, proteins, lipids, polyphenols, saponins, and alkaloids are analyzed in relation to their capacity to modulate both orexigenic (ghrelin) and anorexigenic signals (GLP-1, CCK, PYY), as well as their broader effects on neuroendocrine and metabolic pathways. Despite the growing body of preclinical evidence, results in humans are still limited and, at times, inconsistent, underscoring the need for long-term controlled studies to clarify their mechanisms and clinical potential. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathways through which dietary bioactive compounds can contribute to appetite regulation, providing a scientific basis for the development of nutritional interventions aimed at combating obesity and related metabolic disorders.