Hunger and Eating

Flashcards reviewing the biological and environmental factors influencing hunger and eating, as well as the roots and consequences of obesity.

Hypothalamus

A tiny structure in the brain involved in regulating biological needs related to survival, including hunger.

Lateral Hypothalamus (LH)

Surgical destruction of this area in rats led to a decrease or lack of interest in eating.

Ventromedial Nucleus of the Hypothalamus (VMH)

Surgical destruction of this area in rats led to excessive eating and rapid weight gain.

Arcuate Nucleus and Paraventricular Nucleus

Two areas of the hypothalamus thought to play a larger role in modulating hunger.

Vagus Nerve

Carries information about the stretching of the stomach walls, indicating fullness.

Ghrelin

Hormone secreted by the stomach that causes stomach contractions and promotes hunger.

CCK (Cholecystokinin)

Hormone released by the upper intestine that delivers satiety signals to the brain, reducing hunger.

Leptin

Hormone that contributes to the long-term regulation of hunger by providing the hypothalamus with information about the body's fat stores.

Incentive Value of Food

The anticipated pleasure of eating that motivates humans and animals to eat, regardless of energy deficits.

Palatability

The better food tastes, the more of it people consume.

Quantity Available

The amount of food available is a powerful determinant of the amount eaten; people tend to consume what is put in front of them.

Variety

Humans and animals increase their consumption when a greater variety of foods are available.

Sensory-Specific Satiety

The phenomenon where the incentive value of a specific food declines as you eat it, in comparison to other foods.

Presence of Others

On average, individuals eat 44% more when they eat with other people as opposed to eating alone.

Exposure to Food Cues

Eating is triggered by exposure to cues that have been associated with food.

Learned Preferences and Habits

Food preferences are acquired through learning, and people generally prefer familiar foods.

Obesity

Condition of being overweight, typically assessed in terms of body mass index (BMI).

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Weight (in kilograms) of a person divided by height (in meters) squared.

Evolved Tendency to Overeat

Excess calories were stored in the body (as fat) to prepare for future food shortages

Set Point

People who lose weight on a diet have a rather strong tendency to gain back all the weight they lose, suggesting that homeostatic mechanisms defend against weight loss.

Obesogenic Environment

Modern societies are thought to create a toxic, 'obesogenic' environment for eating.