The hypothalamus is probably the most important brain region for controlling our appetite, and it is well positioned to be an ‘eating centre’. It has connections with various other brain areas, and with the pituitary gland, meaning it can control the release of hormones. Unusually for a brain region, part of the hypothalamus is outside the blood–brain barrier, meaning it has access to your main blood supply, and can detect the levels of circulating glucose, for example. It also monitors the workings of your immune system.
