The Hypothalamus's Role in Managing Body Fat

The hypothalamus monitors fat levels and responds by initiating a starvation reaction when fat decreases. It controls major energy-consuming processes and food-seeking behavior, working to restore fat levels by increasing food intake and decreasing energy expenditure. When fat drops, the hypothalamus intensifies its efforts to regain fat, leading to symptoms like feeling cold, sluggish, and increased hunger. In response, it reduces thyroid hormone signaling, decreases sympathetic nervous system activity, increases muscular efficiency, and activates hunger and food reward centers to restore energy balance.