Interoceptive Awareness & Hunger Perception
February 2026 | Scientific Analysis
Introduction
Interoception—the body's sense of its internal state—is fundamental to eating regulation. The brain continuously receives signals about digestive status, metabolic state, and nutritional needs. Interoceptive awareness refers to conscious perception of these internal signals.
Physiological Signals
Hunger emerges from multiple physiological sources. The stomach produces ghrelin before meals, signaling energy deficit. The hypothalamus, responding to blood glucose, temperature, and nutrient availability, modulates hunger perception. The brainstem integrates these signals into a coordinated hunger response.
Satiety involves complementary mechanisms. Gastric distension activates stretch receptors. Nutrient absorption triggers cholecystokinin (CCK) and other hormones. These signals collectively produce the experience of fullness.
Individual Variation in Interoception
People differ substantially in their ability to perceive internal signals. Some individuals accurately report hunger and satiety; others show poor correspondence between physiological signals and conscious perception. This variation in interoceptive sensitivity is relatively stable and heritable.
Individuals with higher interoceptive sensitivity may have greater awareness of appetite signals. However, awareness does not directly translate to different eating behaviors—many additional factors influence food choice and intake.
Brain Regions
The insular cortex, located in the brain's temporal region, is central to interoception. This region receives signals from the body and generates the conscious sense of internal states. The anterior cingulate cortex also contributes to awareness of physiological signals.
Clinical Implications
Reduced interoceptive awareness is associated with various health conditions including eating disorders, obesity, and anxiety disorders. However, causality remains unclear—does poor interoception contribute to disordered eating, or do behavioral patterns reduce interoceptive sensitivity over time?