process
Appetite regulation
Appetite regulation integrates gut, adipose and brain signals with meal and energy context.
Hormones such as ghrelin, leptin and GLP-1 contribute signals that the hypothalamus and other circuits integrate; no single hormone explains appetite on its own.
A network of signals
The appetite-regulation process combines peripheral signals with neural circuits and context. Ghrelin, leptin and GLP-1 are examples of signals with different sources and actions, while the integrated response depends on more than any one circulating concentration.
Related topics
Leptin signals to Appetite regulation
Leptin is one peripheral signal integrated by appetite-regulation circuits.
Ghrelin signals to Appetite regulation
Ghrelin is one gut-derived signal integrated by appetite-regulation circuits.
GLP-1 signals to Appetite regulation
GLP-1 contributes gut-derived signals to appetite and satiety circuits.
Worth knowing
Three hormones, different sources. Ghrelin is produced mainly by the stomach, leptin mainly by adipose tissue and GLP-1 by intestinal L cells.
A closer look
Signals meet brain circuits
Appetite signals integrate with hypothalamic circuits and other brain regions; meal timing, energy state and sensory context also influence the response.
Signals have different time scales
Ghrelin changes around meals, while leptin reflects longer-term energy stores; GLP-1 adds a post-meal gut signal with rapid breakdown.
References
Source-checked local draft.
Human editorial review pending.
- NIH National Library of MedicinePhysiology, Appetite And Weight RegulationChecked 2026-09-05
- NIH National Library of MedicinePhysiology, LeptinChecked 2026-09-05
- NIH National Library of MedicineBiochemistry, GhrelinChecked 2026-09-05