Hség

Hség, written éhség in Hungarian, is the sensation of physical need for food. It can occur as a short-term signal of energy deficit or refer to more chronic states when food is scarce. The term is commonly used to describe both the physiological drive to eat and, in broader contexts, conditions of famine or widespread lack of adequate food.

Physiology: Hunger is regulated by the brain, primarily the hypothalamus, and by hormonal signals from the gut and adipose tissue. Ghrelin, produced mainly in the stomach, rises before meals and stimulates appetite. After eating, signals such as leptin and insulin signal satiety. Neurons in the arcuate nucleus release neuropeptides that promote or suppress eating. Hunger can be distinguished from appetite, the latter being the desire to eat often driven by sensory cues and emotions.

Types and symptoms: Physiological hunger manifests as stomach contractions, emptiness, and lightheadedness, potentially with difficulty concentrating. Emotional or situational hunger can occur without an energy deficit, driven by stress, mood, or habit. Chronic hunger can reflect malnutrition or medical conditions.

Impact and context: Proper nutrition is essential for health; persistent or severe hunger warns of energy imbalance, food insecurity, or underlying disease. In history and policy, famine and food shortages have shaped societies, while hunger strikes have been used as protest.