Patient-Friendly Explanation

Ghrelin is your body’s hunger signal. Levels rise before meals and fall after eating. When you lose weight, ghrelin levels can increase, making you feel hungrier.

Clinical Definition

Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid peptide secreted primarily by the gastric fundus. It acts on the hypothalamus to stimulate appetite and growth hormone release. Levels are typically elevated in fasting states and suppressed after food intake.