The regulation of hunger and eating behavior is influenced by both physiological and psychological factors. One key aspect is the role of hormones, particularly ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin, often referred to as the 'hunger hormone,' stimulates appetite and food intake. In contrast, leptin serves to signal satiety and reduce appetite following food consumption. Additionally, factors such as emotional well-being and environmental cues can further modulate eating behavior.
Considering these different influences, which of the following best describes the physiological effect of ghrelin on eating behavior?