How come that we can live without food for days, but get hungry within a few hours?
In: Biology
Hunger is a sensation caused by activity of stomach muscles. It just tells you that your stomach is empty, which usually happens about three hours after feeding. Most of the time it has no bearing on energy needs, that’s why fat people can still feel hungry, while sick people who desperately need nutrition can feel full.
Humans have also developed various feeding habits. The brain adapts to this and suppresses those feelings when it’s inappropriate and brings them back when it seems appropriate e.g. those who eat once a day feel hungry at around the time they usually eat; when you see food, get home, walk by a restaurant, or see pictures of food you suddenly feel hungry.
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