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During the next 40 years, you will eat about 20 tons of food. If you chose to increase your daily intake by just .01 of an ounce more than required for your energy needs, you would gain 24 pounds (Martin Et al., 1991).
The Hypothalamus monitors levels of the body’s appetite hormones and maintenance functions, including control of our hunger. Blood vessels supply the Hypothalamus, enabling it to respond to our current blood chemistry as well as to incoming neural information about the body’s current state.
Glucose is a form of sugar that circulates in the blood and provides the major source of energy for body tissue. When this level is low, we feel hunger.
Insulin is the hormone secreted by the pancreas that is responsible for controlling blood glucose, and for the metabolism of carbohydrates.
Leptin is protein that is secreted by fat cells. When leptin is abundant, the brain and Hypothalamus increase metabolism, and hunger decreases.
Orexin is the sleep, wakefulness, energy, and hunger-triggering hormone secreted by the Hypothalamus.
Ghrelin is the hormone secreted by an empty stomach. It sends “I’m hungry” signals to the brain.
Pyy is the digestive tract hormone that sends “No I’m not hungry” signals to the brain.
When people undergo bypass surgery for obesity, part of the stomach is sealed off. The remaining stomach produces much less Ghrelin, causing the appetite to decrease (Lemonick, 2002).
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.
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