Hunger hormones act predominantly on which part of the brain?

Hunger hormones primarily act on the hypothalamus, which plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and energy balance. The hypothalamus serves as a key integration center for signals related to hunger and satiety, receiving inputs from various hormones that signal the body's nutritional and energy status. For instance, hormones such as ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, and leptin, which signals satiety, exert their effects by binding to receptors in the hypothalamus. This region then triggers physiological responses that influence food intake and energy expenditure.

In contrast, while the cerebral cortex is involved in higher-level thinking and decision-making about food choices, it does not directly control hunger signals. The cerebellum primarily governs coordination and balance, being less involved in hunger regulation. The limbic system, although associated with emotions and certain reward pathways, does not have the same central role in mediating hunger as the hypothalamus does. Therefore, the hypothalamus stands out as the primary brain area where hunger hormones exert their dominant influence.