Hunger

The unpleasant visceral sensation arising from prolonged absence or insufficiency of nutrient intake, primarily mediated by hypothalamic centers and peripheral signals such as ghrelin, and expressed clinically as a drive or motivation to seek and ingest food.

Causes

• Metabolic and endocrine causes

  • Diabetes mellitus

  • Hypoglycemia triggering increased hunger signals

  • Hyperthyroidism

• Sleep deprivation

• Dehydration

• Diet

  • High in refined carbohydrates

  • Lacking sufficient protein or healthy fats

• Psychological causes

  • Stress/depression

  • Eating disorders

• Genetic and neurodevelopmental causes

  • Prader-Willi syndrome

  • Disorders affecting hypothalamic appetite regulation

• Medication causes

  • Corticosteroids

  • Antidepressants

  • Antipsychotics

  • Cannabis

• Increased energy requirements