What is the Origin of Hunger Hormone?

Ghrelin was discovered in 1999 and named after the Proto-Indo-European root 'ghre,' meaning 'to grow,' due to its initial identification as a potent growth hormone secretagogue. The term Hunger Hormone was quickly adopted in endocrinology to reflect its prominent physiological role in stimulating appetite and food intake. It is a key component of the gut-brain axis regulating energy homeostasis.

What is the Mechanism of Hunger Hormone?

Ghrelin exerts its primary function by binding to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a), which is highly expressed in the hypothalamus, the brain's appetite control center. This binding stimulates the release of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and Agouti-related peptide (AgRP), potent appetite-stimulating neurotransmitters, thereby driving the sensation of hunger and initiating food-seeking behavior. Beyond appetite, ghrelin also influences gastric motility, glucose metabolism, and fat deposition, linking energy status to hormonal signaling.

Hunger Hormone

Meaning

The term Hunger Hormone is the common clinical and colloquial designation for ghrelin, a peptide hormone primarily produced and released by the stomach, which acts as a powerful orexigenic signal to the brain. Ghrelin levels rise significantly before meals and during fasting states, communicating a state of energy deficit to the central nervous system. Its precise regulation is essential for maintaining energy balance and metabolic health.