Hunger Pains

The Hunger Pains: Ghrelin, Weight Loss, and Maintenance

Part 1- You Look Fantastic:

Questions

1. Craft an email from Mallory to Sara explaining some of the basics of ghrelin.

Mallory Messner: So, I looked over my notes and have some information on the hormone ghrelin for you. It’s kind of a lot of info but I will try to make it as least complicated as I can.

Sara Finnegan: Oh Great, Thanks! I’m ready to learn something new.

Mallory Messner: First, let’s start with what a hormone is, a hormone is a chemical substance that acts like messenger molecules in the body. After there made in one part of the body, they travel to other parts of the body where they help to control how cells and organs do their work. Got it?

Sara Finnegan: Yup! I know what a hormone is, is that what ghrelin is?

Mallory Messner: Yes, ghrelin is a type of hormone; they call it a hunger hormone. Now this is kind of a lot of information so let me know if you get lost somewhere, ok?

Sara Finnegan: Ok, I’m ready.

Mallory Messner: Ghrelin has numerous functions. It is termed the ‘hunger hormone’ because it stimulates appetite, increases food intake and promotes fat storage. When it’s administered to humans, ghrelin increases food intake by up to 30% by circulating in the bloodstream at the hypothalamus, an area of the brain crucial in the control of appetite.

Ghrelin also stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland, which, unlike ghrelin itself, breaks down fat tissue and causes the build-up of muscle. It also has protective effects on the cardiovascular system and plays a role in the control of insulin release.

Ghrelin levels increase after dieting, which may explain why diet-induced weight loss can be difficult to maintain. Which could explain that 5% you were talking about, I hope this new information has helped you to better understand this hormone and what’s going on in your body.

Sara Finnegan: WoW! Thanks so much for giving me all this new...