What is Ghrelin?
Ghrelin is a hormone that is primarily produced by the stomach and upper intestine, although it is also found in many other tissues in the body. It is responsible for stimulating hunger and plays an important role in regulating energy balance. Ghrelin levels increase before meals and decrease after meals.
What causes Ghrelin levels to increase?
Ghrelin levels are known to increase when the body is under stress, such as when a person is dieting or fasting. Ghrelin levels also increase when the body is in a calorie deficit, meaning it is not receiving enough energy from food. This is why ghrelin increases when a person is hungry. Ghrelin also tends to increase during periods of intense exercise and during periods of sleep deprivation.
What are the effects of increased Ghrelin levels?
Increased Ghrelin levels can lead to an increased appetite, which can lead to overeating and weight gain. Ghrelin can also affect other hormones, such as leptin, which is responsible for satiety. When Ghrelin levels are high, leptin levels are low, which can further increase appetite. High levels of Ghrelin can also cause feelings of fatigue and changes in mood.