The Psychobiology of Hunger – A Scientific Perspective

Abstract

From a scientific perspective, hunger can be regarded as an identifiable conscious sensation which can be distinguished from other conscious states (e.g., pain, fear). The hunger state can be measured and is a marker of the existence of underlying biological processes. Measured hunger is functional and is normally associated with the act of eating. However, the conscious state of hunger, although driven physiologically, is not exclusively determined by biology; there is an environmental influence that can modulate its intensity and periodicity, and cultural factors that shape the appropriateness of the expression of hunger. Within a psychobiological framework, hunger can be considered as the expression of a ‘need state’ which mediates between biological requirements and environmental (nutritional) satisfaction. Our empirical studies show that hunger is clearly associated with biological signals (e.g., resting metabolic rate and some gastrointestinal peptides) and is central to the relationship between energy expenditure and energy intake.

The Effects of Exercise on Appetite in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Considering the significant effects of exercise on appetite, a large body of evidence supports that healthy levels of glucose and leptin are critical to maximizing fat-mass control, type-2 diabetes prevention, cardiovascular risk reduction, and improved quality of life ( 36 , 66 – 69 ). In line with this study, existing research supports that improved exercise fidelity may help to independently reduce fasting glucose and leptin ( 13 , 23 ). Although short-term reductions in these markers have been associated with compensatory eating by way of increased appetite and decreased activity, maintenance of these reductions has been shown to improve satiety sensitivity and increase energy expenditure ( 13 , 23 , 70 ).…”

“…In line with this study, existing research supports that improved exercise fidelity may help to independently reduce fasting glucose and leptin ( 13 , 23 ). Although short-term reductions in these markers have been associated with compensatory eating by way of increased appetite and decreased activity, maintenance of these reductions has been shown to improve satiety sensitivity and increase energy expenditure ( 13 , 23 , 70 ). Increased satiation and activity may aid in risk reduction and weight maintenance, while the effects of body mass reductions may cyclically improve satiety sensitivity and fasting glucose ( 13 , 23 , 71 ).…”

“…Although short-term reductions in these markers have been associated with compensatory eating by way of increased appetite and decreased activity, maintenance of these reductions has been shown to improve satiety sensitivity and increase energy expenditure ( 13 , 23 , 70 ). Increased satiation and activity may aid in risk reduction and weight maintenance, while the effects of body mass reductions may cyclically improve satiety sensitivity and fasting glucose ( 13 , 23 , 71 ). Of note, the relationships between exercise, physical activity, and appetite outcomes may be affected by the intensity or type of intervention, as well as participants' varying age, levels of fitness, and physiology (e.g., biological responsiveness) ( 18 , 19 , 23 , 31 ).…”

“…Considering chronic exercise and physical activity, evidence from long-term studies in young adults indicates that improvements in body composition and function result in enhanced satiety sensitivity, thus promoting metabolic balance and relative appetite control ( 18 , 19 , 22 , 23 ). Further, sustained increases in activity have been evidenced to alter fasting levels of appetite-regulating hormones and metabolites (e.g., leptin, glucose, insulin, ghrelin, adiponectin) and heighten post-prandial satiety ( 13 , 24 ).…”

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“…Considering the significant effects of exercise on appetite, a large body of evidence supports that healthy levels of glucose and leptin are critical to maximizing fat-mass control, type-2 diabetes prevention, cardiovascular risk reduction, and improved quality of life (36,(66)(67)(68)(69). In line with this study, existing research supports that improved exercise fidelity may help to independently reduce fasting glucose and leptin (13,23). Although short-term reductions in these markers have been associated with compensatory eating by way of increased appetite and decreased activity, maintenance of these reductions has been shown to improve satiety sensitivity and increase energy expenditure (13,23,70).…”