Fome

Fome is the Portuguese word for hunger, the physiological sensation and cognitive drive to obtain and ingest food. In everyday language, it also can refer to a state of severe energy deficiency or famine in historical or rhetorical contexts. The term derives from Latin fames.

Hunger is regulated by the brain, particularly the hypothalamus, and by hormones and gut signals. When the stomach is empty, ghrelin is released, increasing appetite and meal motivation. After eating, signals such as insulin and leptin inform the brain about energy stores, reducing hunger. Hunger and appetite are related but distinct: hunger is the physiological need, while appetite is the conscious desire to eat, influenced by taste, mood, and environment.

Persistent fome reflects food insecurity and undernutrition, not just momentary need. Chronic hunger can contribute to stunting and poor health, while famine denotes a severe, widespread lack of food. Global monitoring uses indicators such as undernourishment, child stunting and wasting, and mortality. Causes include poverty, conflict, displacement, climate shocks, and unequal food distribution.

Policy and response to fome involve emergency food aid, nutrition programs, social protection, and investments in sustainable agriculture. Long-term strategies focus on improving food access, affordability, storage, and resilience to climate risks, as well as education and sanitation. International organizations monitor progress toward reducing hunger as part of sustainable development goals.

See also: hunger, food security, malnutrition, famine.