Foamea

Foamea is the Romanian term for hunger, referring to the physiological and psychological state that signals a need for food. It is used to describe both the momentary sensation of appetite and the broader condition of inadequate caloric intake.

Etymology: the word foamea derives from foame (hunger) with the definite article -a, forming "the hunger." The term traces to Romanian from Proto-Romance roots related to Latin fames.

Physiology: Hunger is regulated by the brain, especially the hypothalamus, and by hormones such as ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, and leptin, which promotes satiety. It arises from energy deficit, stomach contractions, and fluctuating blood glucose, and can be influenced by mood, stress, and food cues.

Societal and cultural aspects: In public health and policy, foamea highlights issues of food security, malnutrition, and poverty. Chronic hunger affects growth and health, while temporary hunger can occur in fasting, dieting, or famine. In literature and cinema, hunger appears as a motif linked to survival, deprivation, and resilience.

See also: Hunger; Famine; Food security.