Appetite - GCSE Psychology Definition

Appetite refers to the natural urge or desire to eat food, which is a complex interplay of physiological, psychological, and social factors. In GCSE Psychology, students explore how appetite is influenced by the body's need for energy and nutrients, as well as external cues such as the sight and smell of food, social settings, and emotional states. The hypothalamus in the brain plays a crucial role in regulating hunger and satiety, while hormones like ghrelin and leptin signal the need to eat or stop eating. Understanding appetite helps students appreciate how eating behaviours can be shaped by both biological imperatives and environmental influences.