The lateral hypothalamus has been called a "feeding center" and the ventromedial hypothalamus a "satiety center," although these descriptions oversimplify scientific reality. Hunger is also associated with hormones (ghrelin), low glucose levels, neurotransmitters (leptin, serotonin), a genetically programmed set point for body fat and muscle mass, specific genes (melanocortin- 4 receptor gene, leptin gene), and sensitivity to food cues and expectations.
According to __________ theory, when our blood glucose levels drop, hunger creates a drive to eat to restore the proper level of glucose.