It does technically, but my point was that it's not ever a fulfilling one so you're not actually keeping the player engaged. It's always just a chore. Akin to if the game added a stink mechanic where you had to bathe or perfume regularly merely to keep gaining affection. Or a bowel movement meter, where you have to find safe quiet places away from party members to "empty the meter". Lest you risk losing their respect shitting yourself in front them!
I don't think anyone's missing a single thing without it for the foreseeable future if they choose to cut that bloat out. At least until a decent amount of hunger meter tied scenes arrive. Though I can't really fathom what those would even be. Maybe breastfeeding hj resuscitation? Pie eating contest to win a thicc damsel's heart? A George Costanza inspired food and sex orgy? Don't know, imo just doesn't fit.