Question

Describe the function of the hypothalamus in the control of body weight

Please give a detailed answer. Add supportive equations or flow diagrams if possible.

Thank you.

Answer 1

The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain. It’s located at the base of the brain, near the pituitary gland.

The Hypothalamus is the control center of all autonomic regulatory activities of the body. It has been said that the Hypothalamus is the brain of the brain. It is the hub for automatic and endocrine homeostatic systems such as cardiovascular, temperature and abdominal visceral regulation.

It manages all endocrine hormonal levels, sensory processing and organizing body metabolism as well as ingestive behaviours. It appears that almost everything the Hypothalamus does is related in some way to the management of brain and body connection linking the psyche (mind) to the body.

It organizes and controls many complex emotions, feelings and moods, as well as all motivational states including hunger, appetite and food intake and everything to do with the concept of pleasure including satisfaction, comfort and creative activities.

The Hypothalamus (with the Cerebral Hemispheres) is intimately involved in the intergration of all physiological stimulation, all 5 senses, including taste, smell, sight, sound and touch.

The Hypothalamus and Weight Management:

It appears that almost everything the Hypothalamus does is related in some way to weight management and controlled weight loss.

Most simply when the Hypothalamus is “broken” food becomes increasingly more important, but increasingly more unfulfilling. We end up never feeling satisfied with the foods which we have eaten, gradually eating more and more to try to compensate for whatever is lacking!.

From a metabolism stand point, the Hypothalamus not only governs the motivation to eat, stimulating hunger and appetite, but most importantly how eating is to be experienced and relected upon, whether it is satisfying or not, and how deep the satisfaction occurs.

Thus, Hypothalamus plays a role in controlling body weight.