Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a type of gut hormone that is released after a meal, helps digestion, and reduces appetite (Gribble & Reimann, 2016).

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is produced primarily by specialized enteroendocrine cells in the small intestine in response to nutrients, particularly fats and proteins. It contributes to digestion by stimulating gallbladder contraction and promoting the release of pancreatic digestive enzymes. CCK also acts on signaling pathways involved in satiety and meal termination, helping coordinate digestive activity with food intake. Its effects illustrate how gastrointestinal signals communicate with the brain and may influence eating behavior through the gut-brain axis.

From a nutritional psychology perspective, CCK is relevant to understanding the biological processes that interact with eating behavior and appetite regulation. Meal composition can influence the release of gut hormones, while factors such as sensory experiences, learned eating patterns, and psychological states can also shape food intake. Studying CCK alongside other appetite-related signals provides a broader framework for understanding how physiological satiety mechanisms interact with nutrition, cognition, and behavior.