Hunger and Satiety

Hunger and satiety are complex psychophysiological states that are controlled by physiological, biological, and social factors. The biological processes involve metabolic factors in the gastrointestinal tract and complex endocrine and central nervous system regulatory processes, primarily in the hypothalamus. Psychologically, hunger and satiety are influenced by cognitive processes (attentional control, motivational-emotional evaluation) that are in turn modulated by neuroendocrine factors. Cultural and social norms also influence the experience of hunger and satiety. Short- and long-term acting humoral factors thus affect the experienced hunger and satiety sensation through psychological factors, thereby regulating food intake and body weight.