FGF21

A study from the University of Sydney suggests that alcohol consumption may increase cravings for savory foods by influencing hormone levels, particularly FGF21, which shifts preferences toward umami flavors and away from sweet. This effect, combined with diets high in ultra-processed savory foods, could lead to overeating and contribute to the obesity epidemic.

Scientists discovered that the hormone FGF21 reverses obesity in mice by activating a brain circuit in the hindbrain linked to metabolism. Unlike GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, FGF21 boosts energy burning instead of suppressing appetite, offering potential for new weight-loss and liver disease treatments.