Hunger
Hunger is a physiological need for food. It is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors including physical, psychological, and environmental factors. The sensation of hunger is controlled by the brain, specifically the hypothalamus, which receives signals from the body about the level of hunger and satiety.
Physiology of Hunger[edit | edit source]
The body has a complex system to regulate food intake. This system involves hormones such as ghrelin, leptin, and insulin, which are produced by the body and act on the brain to regulate hunger and satiety. Ghrelin is produced by the stomach and increases hunger, while leptin is produced by fat cells and decreases hunger. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, also plays a role in regulating hunger and satiety.
Causes of Hunger[edit | edit source]
Hunger can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:
- Physical factors: These include the body's need for energy and nutrients. When the body's stores of energy and nutrients are low, it signals the brain to initiate feelings of hunger.
- Psychological factors: These include stress, boredom, and emotional distress. These factors can trigger feelings of hunger even when the body does not need additional energy or nutrients.
- Environmental factors: These include the availability and accessibility of food, as well as social and cultural factors. For example, in some cultures, it is customary to eat at certain times of the day, regardless of whether or not one is physically hungry.
Effects of Hunger[edit | edit source]
Hunger can have various effects on the body and mind. These include:
- Physical effects: These include fatigue, dizziness, and weakness. If prolonged, hunger can lead to malnutrition and serious health problems.
- Psychological effects: These include irritability, difficulty concentrating, and depression. Hunger can also lead to overeating and the development of eating disorders.
- Social effects: Hunger can lead to social problems such as poverty and social inequality. It can also affect a person's ability to work and function in society.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
| Hunger Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
