Hunger hormones: Who's in control

Having a healthy appetite, one that says, "I'm hungry," then "I'm full," is part of a cat and mouse game we play daily. The majority of us have no problem wanting to eat but stopping is a whole other event.

The hunger hormones in the body are called leptin and ghrelin. Both play a role in body weight. Leptin is in charge of decreasing one's appetite while ghrelin increases appetite. They have a tug of war relationship; one that we fully sense and feel.

Leptin is made by our fat cells. It is the all-ruling appetite suppressor. Leptin levels are lower in persons who are thin and are higher in ov...