The general stress response principally results in the release of cortisol, with the overall effect of mobilizing metabolic energy and redirecting it towards homeostatic maintenance. Consequently, an important factor altered by stress is food intake. . . .

The peptide hormone ghrelin has been shown to stimulate growth hormone (GH) release, appetite, and fat deposition in vertebrates. More recently, ghrelin has been shown to play a role in glucose metabolism in mammals. Ghrelin acts through the growth ho . . .