Final answer:
The sensation of hunger is primarily triggered by low blood sugar levels and an empty stomach sending signals to the brain. Satiety value is reached when blood glucose levels increase after eating and leptin hormone is released from fat cells. The hypothalamus regulates both the hunger and satiety signals in the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Physiological Triggers of Hunger
Several physiological mechanisms trigger the sensation of hunger. Primarily, low blood sugar levels signal the body to initiate feeding behavior. When our stomachs are empty and contract, we experience hunger pangs. These sensations are magnified as blood glucose levels decrease, prompting the pancreas and liver to release chemical signals that increase hunger.
Conversely, the sensation of satiety occurs upon eating a meal, which increases blood glucose levels. This, in turn, causes the pancreas and liver to signal the cessation of hunger. Furthermore, the hormone leptin, released by fat cells, serves as a satiety signal, reducing the urge to eat more. However, it is important to note that in conditions such as obesity, leptin resistance can impair this mechanism, contributing to overeating.
The hypothalamus region of the brain is crucial in regulating hunger and satiety signals. Foods high in fatty acids often promote satiety more effectively than those rich in carbohydrates.