Hunger and Eating

Set Points & Theories

Set-point Asumption: Hunger is a response to an energy need; we eat to maintain an energy set point

• Energy works like a thermostat

Theories:

• Contrary to evolutionary pressures that favored energy storage for survival; Don’t account for influence of external factors

• Reductions in blood gluclose/body fat do NOT reliably induce eating

Positive-Incentive Perspective

• We have evolved to crave food!

• Multiple factors are used

• Accounts for impact of external factors

Factors influence WHAT WE EAT

Sweet/Fatty: High energy foods

Salty: Sodium rich foods

Learned taste preferences

Vitamins/minerals: learns what food makes us feel “healthy”

Factors Influence WHEN WE EAT

Premeal hunger

Factors Influence HOW MUCH WE EAT

Appetizers

Larger servings

Social settings

Sensory-specific = number of different tastes

Myths of Hypothalamic

Hunger & satiety centers

Suggested two centers:

1. Ventromedial: Satiety (Not likely)

2. Lateral: Hunger (Not Likely)

The most supportive role of Hypothalamic is the regulation of energy metabolism

Treatment of Obesity

Serotonin shows to increase short-term satiety signals associate with consumption of a meal and decrease…

1. urge to eat high calorie foods

2. Consumption of food; intensity of hunger

3. Size of meals; number of binge eating