Ghrelin
The hunger hormone — stimulates appetite before meals.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Ghrelin is your "hunger hormone." Levels rise before meals and fall after eating. Some weight loss methods increase ghrelin, making you hungrier — which is why medical support helps.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid peptide secreted primarily by gastric fundus cells. It acts on the arcuate nucleus to stimulate appetite. Levels increase during calorie restriction, contributing to weight regain.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
GLP-1 agonists suppress ghrelin secretion, providing dual appetite control. Understanding this mechanism helps patients appreciate why medication can be necessary.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.