What primarily drives appetite frequently categorized as hedonic?

Pleasure, sight, smell, or emotional state rather than energy deficit

Hedonic eating, which is largely governed by appetite, is motivated by the potential for pleasure derived from food, rather than the actual physiological need for calories. This drive is strongly modulated by external stimuli such as the sight or smell of palatable items, or internal factors like emotional states, rather than a recognized energy deficit in the body. A classic example illustrating this is the strong desire for dessert following a large, satisfying meal—the physical need for energy has been met, but the hedonic appeal of the sweet item keeps the appetite active. This mechanism relies heavily on the brain's reward centers responding to sensory cues.