éhség

Éhség is the Hungarian word for hunger, the sensation indicating that the body needs fuel. It is a physiological state driven by an energy deficit and regulated by hormonal and neural signals. The stomach and intestines release ghrelin, which stimulates appetite; in the brain, the hypothalamus responds to signals such as glucose levels and hormones like leptin and insulin to modulate food intake. Hunger typically arises after several hours without eating, but its strength and timing vary with activity, health, and context.

Éhség can be categorized as physical hunger, a predictable, homeostatic cue, and psychological hunger, which may be driven by emotions, habits, or environmental cues rather than immediate energy needs. The term éhezés refers more to starvation or severe deprivation and is distinct from regular hunger, though the two are connected along a continuum.

Causes include voluntary fasting, illness or medication that suppresses appetite, and societal factors such as poverty, food insecurity, or disrupted food supplies. Prolonged or extreme hunger can lead to fatigue, dizziness, reduced concentration, and impaired health, particularly in children and the elderly.

In public discussion, hunger is a central concern of nutrition science and global health, informing policies on food security, dietary guidelines, and humanitarian aid. Solutions focus on ensuring access to sufficient, nutritious food, supporting sustainable food systems, and addressing underlying causes of deprivation.