Peptide YY (PYY 3-36)
PYY 3-36 is the biologically active form of the gut satiety peptide secreted post-meal by L-cells. It reduces appetite via Y2 receptor agonism in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. Human IV infusion studies demonstrate significantly reduced caloric intake.
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Compound Profile
Peptide YY (PYY 3-36)
Key Data
Research reference only
Research Focus
Preclinical data
⚠ Research & Educational Use Only. Peptide YY (PYY 3-36) is a research chemical documented here for scientific education. All information references peer-reviewed literature and preclinical/clinical study data. Not for human consumption. Not medical advice. Consult a licensed researcher or healthcare professional before any laboratory use.
- Reduces food intake by approximately 30% in human IV infusion studies (Batterham et al., Nature 2002)
- Activates Y2 receptors on NPY/AgRP neurons in the arcuate nucleus to suppress appetite signaling
- Post-meal PYY rise correlates with meal-induced satiety — a key physiological satiety signal
- Peptide YY (PYY 3-36) is not FDA-approved for human use. It is a research chemical for scientific study only.
Research At a Glance
- Reduces food intake by approximately 30% in human IV infusion studies (Batterham et al., Nature 2002)
- Activates Y2 receptors on NPY/AgRP neurons in the arcuate nucleus to suppress appetite signaling
- Post-meal PYY rise correlates with meal-induced satiety — a key physiological satiety signal
- Slows GI motility via 'ileal brake' — coordinates gastric emptying with distal nutrient sensing
In Plain English
Simple summaryPeptide YY (PYY, specifically the 3-36 truncated form) is a 36-amino acid peptide released by gut L-cells in proportion to caloric intake -- the more you eat (especially fat and protein), the more PYY rises. It binds to Y2 receptors on neurons in the hypothalamus and signals fullness, reducing appetite for several hours after a meal. It's one of the body's most important satiety signals -- obese individuals have chronically lower PYY levels than lean individuals, even after the same meal, which may contribute to why they feel less full. PYY injections in human research consistently reduce calorie intake by 30-35% in subsequent meals and are well-tolerated. It's being studied as a combination partner for GLP-1 drugs to extend appetite suppression through an additional pathway.
- Reduces food intake by approximately 30% in human IV infusion studies
- Activates Y2 receptors on NPY/AgRP neurons in the arcuate nucleus to suppress appetite signaling
- Post-meal PYY rise correlates with meal-induced satiety — a key physiological satiety signal
The full scientific detail, mechanisms, citations, and dosing data, follows below.
What is Peptide YY (PYY 3-36)?
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Peptide YY (PYY) is a 36-amino acid peptide belonging to the neuropeptide Y family, named for its C-terminal tyrosine amidation (Y = tyrosine, the single-letter code). It is secreted by L-cells of the ileum, colon, and rectum in proportion to caloric intake, with peak secretion occurring 1-2 hours after a meal.
PYY 3-36 (the active form) is generated by DPP-IV cleavage of the N-terminal Tyr-Pro from full-length PYY 1-36. This cleavage shifts receptor selectivity from Y1/Y2 agonism (full-length) to preferential Y2 receptor agonism (PYY 3-36), which is critical for its hypothalamic satiety effect.
**Mechanism of satiety:** 1. Post-meal L-cell secretion proportional to meal calorie content and macronutrient composition 2. PYY 3-36 reaches the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus via the bloodstream 3. Y2 receptor activation on NPY/AgRP neurons inhibits these orexigenic neurons 4. Simultaneously activates pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons (satiety) 5. Peripheral effects: slows gastric emptying, reduces intestinal motility, decreases gastric acid secretion
The landmark 2002 Nature paper by Batterham et al. showed that IV infusion of PYY 3-36 at 0.8 pmol/kg/min for 90 minutes in 12 non-obese humans reduced caloric intake at a buffet lunch by 33% vs placebo. This was the first direct evidence that a post-meal gut peptide could significantly suppress appetite in humans.
Critically, obese individuals have blunted PYY responses to meals, suggesting that PYY deficiency (along with GLP-1 and amylin deficiencies) contributes to the impaired satiety signaling in obesity. This is why GLP-1R agonists, which also activate L-cells, partially compensate for this deficit.
PYY is a component of the "ileal brake" mechanism — the hormonal response to undigested nutrients reaching the distal gut that slows proximal GI motility. This makes it particularly relevant to research on post-bariatric surgery weight loss, where dramatically elevated post-meal PYY, GLP-1, and amylin levels contribute to enhanced satiety.
By the Numbers
Key Research Benefits
Documented effects observed in preclinical and clinical studies on Peptide YY (PYY 3-36). See all Metabolic & Weight peptides for comparison.
Side Effects & Risks
Adverse effects reported in the research literature. All data sourced from preclinical and clinical study reports. View all peptides' side effects →
Dosing Data from the Literature
Doses referenced below are sourced from published preclinical and clinical studies. Use the peptide dose calculator to convert these values to injection volume.
PYY 3-36 research primarily uses IV infusion protocols in humans and SC injection in rodents:
Human IV infusion studies: 0.8-1.0 pmol/kg/min over 90 minutes → ~30% reduction in lunch buffet intake SC rodent studies: 5-100 nmol/kg For drug development: Long-acting PYY analogues (e.g., cagrilintide has PYY-like components) and Y2-selective molecules are preferred for sustained action
Administration in Research Settings
Standard reconstitution and administration methodology for laboratory research use.
Research tool for IV infusion studies in metabolic and appetite research. The short half-life of native PYY limits SC utility without modification.
What the research doesn't show
Despite the compelling short-term injection data, PYY has been difficult to develop as a standalone therapy. Nausea is a significant side effect at doses needed for meaningful appetite suppression. The blunted PYY response in obesity may also limit effectiveness in exactly the population it's most needed for. It may work better as a combination partner than as a monotherapy.
Medical Expert Videos
Physicians, researchers, and pharmacologists explain Peptide YY (PYY 3-36), covering mechanisms of action, clinical context, and study findings.
Videos sourced from YouTube search. KnowYourPeptide does not endorse any individual creator. For research education only.
The Bottom Line
Peptide YY (PYY 3-36) has a growing body of preclinical evidence and a well-characterised safety profile in research settings. The most-studied application is: reduces food intake by approximately 30% in human iv infusion studies.
The most commonly reported side effect in research subjects is nausea at pharmacological iv doses — limits therapeutic window in some studies. It is a research chemical, not approved for human use.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Quick Reference
How It Compares
GLP-1 and PYY are both released from the same gut L-cells after eating and both signal satiety, but through different receptors and with different time courses. GLP-1 is primarily an insulin secretagogue with satiety as a secondary effect; PYY's primary role is satiety signaling. Cagrilintide (amylin analogue) is another satiety signal being studied in combinations. Semaglutide plus PYY combinations are in early trials targeting additive satiety.
Compare Peptide YY (PYY 3-36) side-by-sideResearch Use Only
This information is for educational research purposes only. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.