4.7c (Motivation: Hunger Motivation)

Body chemistry and hunger

if insulin increases, then glucose (blood sugar) decreases—feel hungry

Hypothalamus

lateral increases hunger, ventromedial decreases hunger

Ghrelin, orexin

increase hunger

Leptin, obestatin

reduce hunger

Set point

point at which the “weight thermostat” is set —> if the body falls below this weight, then hunger is increased and a lowered basal metabolic rate may combine to restore lost weight

Emotional eating

carbs boot levels of serotonin → why when we are moody or tense or sad we crave sweets and foods that have high calories

Cultural differences in food preferences and eating habits

genetic causes

• lean people are more disposed to move about and be more active, burning calories

• there are over 100 genes that influence weight

• identical twins remain in similar weight with each other

environmental aspects

• being friends with obese people increases your odds of becoming obese

• sitional influence —> you tend to eat more with your friends and less when you’re trying to impress someone