Which hormone is primarily associated with feelings of hunger?

Ghrelin is the hormone primarily associated with feelings of hunger. It is produced mainly in the stomach and plays a crucial role in stimulating appetite and promoting food intake. When the stomach is empty, ghrelin is released into the bloodstream, signaling the brain to increase the desire to eat. Levels of ghrelin typically rise before meals and decrease after eating, serving as a key player in the regulation of energy balance and body weight.

In contrast, insulin is linked more to the regulation of glucose levels post-meal rather than directly stimulating hunger. Amylin, which is co-secreted with insulin from the pancreas, works to slow gastric emptying and promote satiety, thereby contributing to the feeling of fullness rather than hunger. PYY, or peptide YY, is released from the intestines after eating and helps to reduce appetite and inhibit ghrelin's effects, further emphasizing the role of ghrelin as the primary hunger hormone.