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Why can hunger continue even after much of the stomach has been removed?
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Feeding behaviour
Wild horses graze in the Badlands of North Dakota.
Hunger persists after the removal of much of the stomach because the sensation of hunger is not solely dependent on the stomach or its contractions, as once suggested by the now-outdated "local theory of hunger".1
Feeding behavior is regulated by a complex, multi-faceted system rather than a single organ. Key factors include:
- Brain Regulation: The hypothalamus acts as a central control for feeding motivation, integrating signals from various parts of the body to regulate appetite.213
- Biological Monitoring: The body continuously monitors fuel levels, including blood glucose availability and fat stores, through receptors located in areas such as the liver and the brain.21
- Systemic Feedback: While the stomach provides signals through distension receptors, the digestive tract, bloodstream, and fat tissues all contribute to the feedback loops that determine hunger and satiety.23
- Hormonal Influence: Substances like ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, are produced in multiple locations, including the small intestine and the hypothalamus, ensuring that hunger signaling continues even if gastric production is reduced.4