Regulation of Food Intake : A Complex Process

Abstract

Researchers have created a wealth of knowledge about the mechanisms that regulate food intake, appetite and therefore weight control. The control of appetite is a complex mechanism and involves the coordination of inputs from both physiological and environmental sources. Early theoretical approaches were based on the idea that the control mechanism was dedicated exclusively to signals from glucose metabolism, amino acids or proteins, or adipose tissue. However, a complex system of biologic and environmental factors regulates our appetite. The brain integrates chemical and nervous signals to control hunger and satiety. These controls include sensory and gastrointestinal signals, neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. This review paper summarizes the existing plethora of the highly convoluted process of appetite regulation and food intake.