If you've ever dabbled in keto diets or intermittent fasting, you've probably heard of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)—a ketone body that fuels the brain and muscles when carbs are scarce. But what if BHB was more than just an energy source?
New research suggests ketones may influence appetite and weight through a newly discovered metabolic pathway. This adds to the growing evidence of the link between ketones and weight loss.
A recent study published in Cell identified a novel process known as the BHB shunt which converts ketones into metabolites that influence hunger and metabolism in a new way. This breakthrough provides a deeper understanding of why people in ketosis often report reduced appetite and improved metabolic efficiency, reinforcing ketones’ role as a natural appetite suppressant.
You read that right: ketones might be hacking your metabolism in ways we never knew.
But how exactly does this work? Let’s break it down.
New research suggests ketones may influence appetite and weight through a newly discovered metabolic pathway. This adds to the growing evidence of the link between ketones and weight loss.
A recent study published in Cell identified a novel process known as the BHB shunt which converts ketones into metabolites that influence hunger and metabolism in a new way. This breakthrough provides a deeper understanding of why people in ketosis often report reduced appetite and improved metabolic efficiency, reinforcing ketones’ role as a natural appetite suppressant.
You read that right: ketones might be hacking your metabolism in ways we never knew.
But how exactly does this work? Let’s break it down.
The Discovery: BHB-Phe, The Anti-Hunger Molecule
The study revealed that an enzyme called CNDP2 combines BHB with amino acids, creating a new class of molecules called BHB-amino acids. The most abundant of these, BHB-Phenylalanine (BHB-Phe) emerged as particularly interesting due to its structural similarity to Lac-Phe, a known appetite-suppressing molecule.
How Does BHB-Phe Affect Hunger?
BHB-Phe does something fascinating: it activates neurons in the brainstem and hypothalamus—the brain’s hunger command center. The study found that increased levels of BHB-Phe led to:
- Reduced food intake
- More satiety (aka less hunger)
- Improved metabolism
These findings suggest that BHB-Phe may function as a natural appetite-regulating and fat-loss signal.
How Can You Take Advantage of This Today?
The potential benefits of BHB-Phe are immense. Here’s how you might be able to optimize this natural weight-regulation pathway:
1. Get into Ketosis
BHB-Phe is derived from BHB, so getting into a ketogenic state to increase circulating ketone levels is key. You can achieve this by:
- Following a ketogenic diet, which is high in fats and low in carbohydrates
- Intermittent fasting, which depletes carbohydrates
- Supplementing with exogenous ketones, which rapidly elevate BHB ketone levels
Interestingly, the study demonstrated that drinking exogenous ketones significantly boosted BHB-Phe levels and reduced food intake, suggesting a direct link between ketone availability and appetite control.
2. Pair Ketosis with Phenylalanine Rich Foods
Because BHB-Phe formation depends on amino acids, particularly phenylalanine, diet composition matters. Foods rich in phenylalanine include:
- Animal-based proteins like eggs, dairy, meat, and fish
- Plant-based sources like soy products, nuts, and seeds
Getting enough amino acids in your diet while in ketosis may boost BHB-Phe levels, maximizing its appetite-regulating potential.
3. Exercise to Complement Your Diet
Previous studies showed that high-intensity exercise can increase ketone production. The same is true of Lac-Phe, the metabolite similar to BHB-Phe known to help suppress appetite.
Therefore, combining exercise with a ketogenic state might synergistically regulate hunger and support the benefits of ketones for fat loss.
Therefore, combining exercise with a ketogenic state might synergistically regulate hunger and support the benefits of ketones for fat loss.
What This Doesn’t Mean
- You can’t just take BHB supplements and expect to lose weight. The pathway relies on natural metabolic signals—meaning your overall diet and lifestyle still matter.
- BHB-Phe isn’t a magic appetite suppressant; it’s part of a broader system of metabolic regulation.
Key Takeaways from the Study
If you take nothing else away from this study, here are the key points to remember:
- Scientists discovered the BHB shunt, introducing a new metabolic pathway that converts BHB into anti-obesity ketone metabolites
- BHB-Phe activates brain regions responsible for reducing hunger and regulating food intake
- You can naturally increase BHB-Phe through a ketogenic diet, fasting, and using exogenous ketones
- Amino acids (like phenylalanine) and exercise may enhance BHB-Phe’s effects, optimizing metabolic and appetite control benefits
This study is a major step forward for our understanding of ketone metabolism and weight regulation. If you’ve ever wondered why keto dieters often report less hunger, this might be the missing piece of the puzzle. Science is only beginning to unravel the full potential of ketones—so stay tuned!
Looking Ahead
As scientists continue exploring the metabolic functions of ketones, future research may refine strategies for using ketosis to enhance satiety, regulate food intake, and support long-term metabolic health.
For those already on a ketogenic diet, fasting, or using exogenous ketones, these findings reinforce the idea that ketones do more than provide energy—they may also help your body naturally regulate hunger and weight in ways we are only beginning to understand.
Reference
Moya-Garzon, Maria Dolores, et al. “A β-Hydroxybutyrate Shunt Pathway Generates Anti-Obesity Ketone Metabolites.” Cell, vol. 188, no. 1, 1 Nov. 2024, www.sci.news/medicine/metabolic-compound-appetite-body-weight-13423.html, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2024.10.032.
