Which hormone is primarily responsible for inhibiting hunger?

Leptin is the hormone primarily responsible for inhibiting hunger. It is produced by adipose (fat) tissue and plays a crucial role in regulating energy balance by signaling to the brain about the body's fat stores. When fat stores increase, leptin levels rise, which in turn suppresses appetite and encourages energy expenditure. This mechanism helps maintain body weight by ensuring that energy intake through food aligns with energy expenditure.

In contrast, other hormones mentioned have different roles in hunger and appetite regulation. For instance, insulin is mainly involved in glucose metabolism and can influence hunger but is not primarily a hunger-suppressing hormone. Cortisol, a stress hormone, can actually stimulate appetite under certain conditions. Ghrelin is known as the "hunger hormone," as it is produced in the stomach and stimulates appetite, rather than inhibiting it. Therefore, leptin's role as a hunger inhibitor is well-established and highlights its significance in the context of weight management and metabolism.