Body signals and eating

Hunger, satiety, and appetite are body signals that tell you how much to eat.

• Hunger is a normal sensation (stomach growling, feeling hunger pangs) that makes you want to eat. It is partially controlled by a region of your brain called the hypothalamus, your blood sugar (glucose) level, how empty your stomach and intestines are, and certain hormone levels in your body.
• Satiety is a feeling of fullness and satisfaction. Stretch receptors in the stomach send signals to the brain that the stomach is filled. Increased blood sugar (glucose), the activity of the hypothalamus, and the presence of food in the intestines all contribute to satiety.
• Appetite is a desire for or an interest in food associated with the sight, smell, or thought of food. Appetite can override hunger and satiety, such as when you continue to eat even after you feel full. You can also have no appetite for food even though you are hungry, which may happen in a stressful situation or during an illness.

Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS	Last Updated: March 6, 2008
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
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