Neuropeptide Y
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Also called: Neuropeptide Y, human
By The Health Stacks Research TeamUpdated September 20, 2026
Neuropeptide Y is a tiny chemical messenger made by nerve cells in the brain. It is a peptide, which means it is a short chain of building blocks called amino acids. The body uses it to send signals between brain cells. It is mostly found in a part of the brain that helps control hunger.
Neuropeptide Y is a strong signal that tells the body it is hungry. Scientists found that when an animal is hungry, nerve cells release this peptide to change behavior. In one study with mice, this signal made normally calm female mice act aggressively toward babies when they had not eaten. It worked by calming down certain brain cells that usually stop such behavior.
Hunger hormones and reproductive hormones meet on the same brain cells, and the peptide is part of how those two signals combine. Scientists are still learning what this peptide does in people. The strongest findings so far come from animal studies, so the results may not match what happens in humans. It is not an approved medicine, and people should not try to take it. More human research is needed before anyone knows if changing its signals is safe or helpful.
Research-stageEarly-stage — evidence so far is mostly cell, animal, or preliminary human studies. Not an approved medicine. Verified confidence80–100 — backed by strong, well-corroborated sources (peer-reviewed research, clinical guidelines). Our highest confidence tier.
Benefits
What Neuropeptide Y Helps With
The benefits people report — backed by research.
Neuroprotection & cognitive (20)
Modulation of anxiety and stress response 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 2 srcEnergy metabolism 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Stress-protective effects via regulation of homeostasis and the HPA axis 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Promotes coping with stress 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Functions as a central anxiolytic and buffers against the effects of stress 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Associated with enhanced stress resilience in humans 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Neuropeptide Y and Peptide YY are potent endogenous stimulants of feeding behavior 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Neuropeptide Y correlation with cortisol in depression NOS 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Endogenous anticonvulsant mechanism via suppression of glutamate release 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Forms neural circuits dedicated to food assumption 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Exhibits sedative properties 80/100Rated 80/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Involved in physiological processes such as food intake, stress response, anxiety, and memory retention 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Endogenous regulation of food intake and anxiety 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →NPY activates all four subtypes of the NPY receptor and is involved in physiological processes such as food intake, stress response, anxiety, and memory retention. 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Involvement in memory retention 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Involved in physiological processes: food intake, stress response, anxiety, memory retention 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →NPY facilitates fear memory acquisition and extinction 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →NPY is necessary and sufficient to control the rate and degree of memory extinction 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →NPY signalling promotes feeding behaviour while suppressing competing behaviours such as social interaction and threat avoidance 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Drives input-specific synaptic plasticity in the extended amygdala 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Weight management (13)
NPY plays a central role in the control of feeding behavior 90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →NPY2R inhibition reduces abdominal obesity and metabolic abnormalities 90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Metabolic regulation and food intake modulation 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Selective NPY receptor analogs elucidate receptor roles and interactions 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Stimulation of food intake 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Promotion of feeding and increase of body mass 75/100Rated 75/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Weight management 75/100Rated 75/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Signaling involved in human diseases such as obesity, mood disorders, and cancers 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Potential therapeutic target for obesity 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Y1R antagonist proposed as a potential drug for treating obesity. 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Endogenous ligand for Y1R, Y2R, Y4R, Y5R receptors 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Signaling implicated in human diseases: obesity, mood disorders, cancer 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Promotes feeding and hunger drive 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Cancer / tumor (5)
Y1R utility as a diagnostic marker for breast cancer 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Diagnostic marker for breast cancer 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Y1R is highly expressed in human primary breast cancer, implying utility as a diagnostic marker. 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Potential diagnostic marker for breast cancer via Y1R expression 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Y1R highly expressed in human primary breast cancer; utility as diagnostic marker 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Sleep & circadian (3)
Sleep 90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Produces phase advances in circadian rhythms when injected into the suprachiasmatic region 90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Functions as a chemical messenger for light-dark cycle entrainment of circadian rhythms 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Reproductive & hormonal (3)
Inhibits the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis 90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Reduces ACTH and cortisol secretion 90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Modulation of GnRH-induced LH secretion 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Gastrointestinal & gut (2)
Regulation of physiological functions via PP-fold structure 90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Gastric / gut lining 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Cardiovascular & vascular (2)
NPY2R inhibition is anti-angiogenic and anti-adipogenic 90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Angiogenesis 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Glycemic & metabolic (2)
Metabolic regulation 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Inhibition of NPY neurons improves food intake and blood glucose levels in diabetic models 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
More reported benefits (9)
Therapeutic target for a range of diseases via NPY receptor modulation 80/100Rated 80/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Therapeutic target for diseases 75/100Rated 75/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Suppresses fear and decreases anxiety to promote foraging 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Energy metabolism 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Bone repair 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Increases tolerance and adaptation to stress as an innate defense response 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Recovery 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →NPY enhances the secretion of catecholamines in adrenal chromaffin cells 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Acts as a potential resilience-to-stress factor in humans 80/100Rated 80/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
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Safety
Known Side Effects
Adverse effects reported in the research and by community use.
- Acute reduction of feeding (Anorexia)Moderate 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Significant decrease in circulating leptinModerate 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Significant increase in feed efficiencyMild 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Reported in research and community sources — not exhaustive. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if side effects occur.
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Evidence
Research Citations (30)
Every claim above traces back to a source you can check — here are 30 of them.
- Source
npy neuropeptide Y [ Danio rerio (zebrafish) ]
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Npy neuropeptide Y [ Mus musculus (house mouse) ]
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Neurobiology and clinical aspects of neuropeptide Y.
1995 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Neuropeptide Y and its role in CNS disease and repair.
2012 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
The Role of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Disorders.
2017 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Neuropeptide Y acts directly in the periphery on fat tissue and mediates stress-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome.
2007 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Neuropeptide Y and Epilepsy.
2003 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
The neurocircuitry and receptor subtypes mediating anxiolytic-like effects of neuropeptide Y.
2002 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
XVI. International Union of Pharmacology recommendations for the nomenclature of neuropeptide Y, peptide YY, and pancreatic polypeptide receptors.
1998 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Mechanisms of neuropeptide Y, peptide YY, and pancreatic polypeptide inhibition of identified green fluorescent protein-expressing GABA neurons in the hypothalamic neuroendocrine arcuate nucleus.
2005 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Neuropeptide Y, resilience, and PTSD therapeutics.
2017 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Neuropeptide Y and its receptors are expressed in chicken skeletal muscle and regulate mitochondrial function.
2021 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Exogenous neuropeptide Y promotes in vivo hippocampal neurogenesis.
2011 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Neuropeptide Y stimulates neuronal precursor proliferation in the post-natal and adult dentate gyrus.
2005 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Multifaces of neuropeptide Y in the brain--neuroprotection, neurogenesis and neuroinflammation.
2012 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Timeline
History & Milestones
Key moments in Neuropeptide Y’s research and regulatory timeline — sourced and dated.
- Neuronal Induction of Bone-Fat Imbalance through Osteocyte Neuropeptide YPublicationDec 1, 2021Related:Neuropeptide Y
News
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Dated, sourced reporting that mentions Neuropeptide Y.
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