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Two hormones are responsible for regulating hunger: leptin and ghrelin.
Two hormones are responsible for regulating hunger: leptin and ghrelin.
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Leptin
Leptin
Leptin is made by fat cells and decreases appetite. Normally, it mediates the long-term regulation of energy balance by signaling to the brain that there is enough fat in storage and no more is needed.
Ghrelin
Ghrelin
Ghrelin, which is made by the stomach, is a fast-acting hormone that signals hunger. Ghrelin levels are usually highest before eating and lowest soon after you eat a meal.
Set point theory
Set point theory
Everyone has a genetically determined weight range and body composition that their body functions best at, and this varies greatly from person to person. This weight range can further vary throughout one's life.
If the body dips below its ideal “set point,” its hunger cues will increase and metabolism will slow in order to try to get the body to return to its set point; this is a survival instinct.
This is why it is so important to listen to your body's hunger cues instead of fighting them. Your body wants you to not only survive, but thrive at its optimal range of weight!
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