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Appetite suppression

A reduction in the drive or desire to eat, distinct from the fullness felt during or after a meal.

Updated Sep 26, 2026

Appetite suppression refers to a lowered desire to eat in the first place, before a meal even starts. GLP-1 medications act on hunger-regulating areas of the brain to reduce food-seeking drive and intrusive thoughts about eating. It's distinct from satiation (fullness during a meal) and satiety (fullness between meals) — see our full guide on suppression, satiation, and satiety.

In a 20-week trial, semaglutide 2.4 mg reduced hunger and food cravings and cut how much people ate at a free-choice lunch by 35% compared with placebo (Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2021 (external link)).

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