Which hormone stimulates appetite and is often referred to with 'growling'?

• A. Insulin
• B. Ghrelin
• C. Cortisol
• D. Leptin

Answer: (B)

Hunger is driven by ghrelin, the hunger hormone released mainly by the stomach when it’s empty. It sends a signal to the brain, especially the hypothalamus, to increase appetite. Ghrelin levels rise before meals and fall after eating, and it also stimulates gastric motility, which is why you hear rumbling or feel those stomach contractions. That’s why ghrelin is the best answer.

Insulin mainly helps cells take up glucose after a meal and can influence satiety later, but it isn’t the primary hunger signal associated with stomach growling. Cortisol is a stress-related hormone that can affect energy and appetite in various contexts, not the direct hunger cue linked to rumbling. Leptin signals fullness and reduces appetite, so it doesn’t drive the pre-meal hunger you’re describing.