Which hormone is involved in increasing appetite?

• A. Insulin
• B. Leptin
• C. Ghrelin
• D. Cortisol

Answer: (C)

Ghrelin is known as the "hunger hormone" and plays a significant role in regulating appetite. It is primarily produced in the stomach and signals the brain to increase food intake. When your stomach is empty, ghrelin levels rise, prompting feelings of hunger, while they typically decrease after eating. This hormone’s primary function is to stimulate appetite, making it a key player in the body’s energy balance and feeding behavior.

Insulin, while involved in glucose metabolism and the regulation of energy balance, does not actively increase appetite; in fact, it can promote satiety after meals. Leptin is often referred to as the "satiety hormone" because it helps to signal fullness and inhibit appetite when fat stores are sufficient. Cortisol, a hormone related to stress response, can influence appetite but is more associated with increasing cravings for specific types of food rather than directly stimulating hunger. Therefore, ghrelin is the most directly connected to increasing appetite among the options provided.