An Overview of Appetite Regulation Mechanisms

Abstract

Maintaining body weight is momentous in quality of life. Appetite takes an important role in establishing the balance of daily food absorption and spent energy and, accordingly, controlling body weight. There is a complex physiological control regulation in the maintenance of energy balance. The regulation of appetite is carried out by central and peripheral signals. The hypothalamus, brainstem, and reward centers, which are involved in central regulation, provide management of food absorption by integrating signals from the peripheral. Gastrointestinal hormones in the peripheral system regulate the digestion and absorption of nutrients. In the central nervous system, these hormones act as neurotransmitters. The ability to adjust food absorption in response to changes in energy status is an essential component of maintaining energy homeostasis. In cases where energy homeostasis cannot be balanced, it risks human life and causes a decrease in their quality of life. Diseases such as anorexia, which is characterized by low body weight, or obesity, which is characterized by increased body weight, may occur. A full understanding of the mechanism of appetite may offer new treatment opportunities in the elimination of diseases and complications that may develop due to these diseases. In this context, central and peripheral processes in the adjustment of food intake were reviewed in our study.