What hormone regulates appetite and hunger?

• A. Leptin
• B. Insulin
• C. Ghrelin
• D. Cortisol

Answer: (C)

The hormone that specifically regulates appetite and hunger is ghrelin. Ghrelin, often referred to as the "hunger hormone," is produced in the stomach and plays a critical role in stimulating appetite. When the stomach is empty, ghrelin levels increase, signaling to the brain that it is time to eat. This hormone not only prompts the feeling of hunger but also influences the body’s energy balance by promoting the storage of fat.

Leptin, which is produced by adipose (fat) tissue, works in opposition to ghrelin by signaling satiety and reducing appetite when energy stores are sufficient. Insulin, primarily known for its role in glucose metabolism, can also play a role in satiety but is not the primary regulator of hunger. Cortisol, a stress hormone, can influence appetite indirectly, often increasing cravings for high-calorie foods under stress, but it does not directly regulate hunger in the manner that ghrelin does.