What is the role of the hormone Ghrelin in the body?

Ghrelin is often referred to as the "hunger hormone" because it plays a significant role in stimulating appetite. It is produced mainly in the stomach and is released when the stomach is empty. This hormone signals the brain to increase food intake, promoting feelings of hunger. Ghrelin levels rise before meals and decrease after eating, thus regulating energy balance and body weight by influencing when and how much we eat.

In contrast, reducing hunger is typically associated with hormones like leptin, which signals satiation and decreases appetite. While ghrelin may indirectly influence metabolism through its effects on food intake, its primary function centers on stimulating hunger rather than increasing metabolic rate directly. Lastly, sleep regulation does not directly involve ghrelin; instead, it is more closely related to hormones such as melatonin and cortisol. Thus, the role of ghrelin is well-established as a key player in the regulation of hunger.