What are the biological and psychological factors that regulate hunger?

Hunger is regulated by a complex interaction of biological and psychological factors. The hypothalamus contains the lateral area, which stimulates hunger when activated, and the ventromedial area, which signals satiety when activated. The hormone ghrelin, released by the stomach, increases hunger, while leptin, released by fat cells, decreases hunger by signaling sufficient energy stores. Insulin regulates blood glucose levels, with drops in glucose triggering hunger.