Which hormone is primarily involved in regulating hunger?

Ghrelin is primarily involved in regulating hunger as it is often referred to as the "hunger hormone." It is produced in the stomach and stimulates appetite by signaling the brain to indicate that the body needs food. Levels of ghrelin typically increase before meals and decrease after eating, indicating its direct role in meal initiation and hunger perception.

Understanding the function of ghrelin highlights its importance in energy balance and weight management. Elevated levels of ghrelin can lead to increased food intake and can be a contributing factor to overeating. This unique property makes ghrelin a key player in the physiological processes that control hunger and body weight.