Definition of Appetite
- This is the desire or urge to eat and is regulated by a complex interaction of:
- Hormones (e.g., ghrelin, leptin, insulin)
- Neurotransmitters
- Psychological, medical, and environmental factors
- A healthy appetite supports nutrition and overall well-being, while an excessive or reduced appetite can lead to weight imbalance, malnutrition, or obesity.
Factors Affecting
- Hormonal imbalances – Ghrelin (hunger ↑), Leptin (satiety ↑)
- Medications – Antidepressants, corticosteroids, etc.
- Psychological states – Stress, depression, eating disorders
- Medical conditions – Cancer, COPD, GI diseases
- Environmental factors – Meal timing, social setting, food availability
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