Module 32: Hunger

Question 1

Physiology of hunger

Answer 1

Humans automatically regulate caloric intake through a homeostatic system to prevent energy deficits and maintain stable body weight.

Question 2

What regulates hunger?

Answer 2

Stomach contractions, blood sugar glucose regulation, appetite hormones, set point, basal metabolic rate

Question 3

Glucose

Answer 3

The form of sugar that circulates in the blood and provides the major source of energy for body tissues. Triggers the feeling of hunger when low.

Question 4

Hypothalamus/Arcuate Nucleus

Answer 4

Pumps out appetite-suppressing hormones

Question 5

Set point

Answer 5

The point at which your “weight thermostat” may be set. When your body falls below this weight, increased hunger and a lowered metabolic rate may combine to restore lost weight.

Question 6

Basic metabolic rate

Answer 6

The body’s resting rate of energy output

Question 7

What are other regulations for taste preferences?

Answer 7

Biology (Universal preferences for sweet and salty tastes. Calming effects of a serotonin boost from carbohydrates, body chemistry)
Environment (Factors influence taste)
Culture
Adaptive

Question 8

An Acquired Taste

Answer 8

People everywhere learn to enjoy the fatty, bitter, or spicy foods common in their culture.

Question 9

Genetic influences on body weight

Answer 9

Children’s weights resemble those of their biological parents.
Identical twins have similar weights even when raised apart.

Question 10

Environment influences obesity

Answer 10

Sleep loss contributes to a fall in leptin levels and a rise in ghrelin levels.
Social influence is seen in the correlation among friends’ weights.
Increased food consumption and lower activity levels are seen worldwide.