Contrary to popular belief, feeling hungry after eating a large meal is not due to the stomach stretching. The stomach is actually very elastic and returns to its resting capacity (about 1-2 litres) after a big meal. The sensation of hunger is the result of physiological changes and the release of hunger hormones in the body…CONTINUE READING>> ...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
When the stomach is empty, the hormone ghrelin is released, stimulating the production of hunger hormones NPY and AgRP in the brain. These hormones create the feeling of hunger and override the hormones that give us a sense of being satisfied.
In addition to ghrelin, other hormones play a role in regulating hunger and satiety. For example, hormones like GIP and GLP-1 stimulate the production of insulin to regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates. Other hormones slow down the movement of food through the stomach, allowing the body time to digest the food.
Two hormones, CKK and PYY, are particularly important in reducing the feeling of hunger. In patients who have a gastric band fitted, which reduces the size of the stomach, PYY levels are particularly high, contributing to a loss of appetite.
However, hunger is not solely determined by physiological factors. Learned associations between certain cues and food can also trigger cravings and feelings of hunger. For example, if we associate sitting on the couch and watching TV with eating something nice, our body can start to crave food even when we are already full.
These associations can develop quickly and even with small amounts of food. Our mood can also become a trigger for cravings, as emotions can become associated with tasty food. Additionally, social factors can influence our eating habits, as we tend to eat more when in the company of friends.
Feeling hungry after a large meal is a complex interplay of physiological changes, hunger hormones, learned associations, and social factors that contribute to the sensation of hunger even after eating a substantial amount of food…CONTINUE READING>>
