Introduction to Hunger What factors motivate eating? What causes us to feel hungry? Physical reasons

Introduction to Hunger What factors motivate eating? What causes us to feel hungry? Psychological reasons

Introduction to Hunger What factors motivate eating? What causes us to feel hungry? Social reasons

Introduction to Hunger What factors motivate eating? What causes us to feel hungry? Cultural & situational reasons

The Physiology of Hunger Empty stomach/stomach pangs Washburn study Stomach pangs contribute to hunger but don’t tell the whole story

Body Chemistry & the Brain L = Let’s Eat!! Blood glucose level Hypothalamus Lateral hypothalamus Ghrelin – hunger triggering hormone Vetromedial hypothalamus V = Volume met

The Physiology of Hunger There is an interaction between hormones and one’s metabolism.

The Physiology of Hunger There is an interaction between hormones and one’s metabolism. Metabolism: rate of energy expenditure Basal Metabolic Rate: the body’s resting rate of energy expenditure.

The Physiology of Hunger Set point The point at which an individual’s “weight thermostat” is supposedly set. When the body falls below this weight, an increase in hunger and a lowered metabolic rate may act to restore the lost weight.

The Psychology of Hunger What cultural and situational factors influence hunger?

The Psychology of Hunger Feeling stressed out? Carbohydrates boost serotonin levels, which has a calming effect.

The Psychology of Hunger Taste preferences Sweet and salty are genetic, but conditioning can alter preference. Delicacies in one culture can be repulsive in others. You have heard of “acquired taste”

The Psychology of Hunger Taste preferences Neophobia: dislike of things unfamiliar Adaptive taste preferences Hot climates where foods spoil include spices that inhibit bacteria growth Milk producing areas have people with higher lactose tolerance

The Psychology of Hunger

The Psychology of Hunger Situational eating: Do you eat more when eating with others?

The Psychology of Hunger Situational eating: Do you buy more when you shop while you are hungry?

The Psychology of Hunger Situational eating: Unit bias

The Psychology of Hunger Unit bias

The Psychology of Hunger Unit bias

The Psychology of Hunger Unit bias

The Psychology of Hunger Unit bias

The Psychology of Hunger Situational eating: Food variety

Obesity and Weight Control

Obesity and Weight Control Obesity can be toxic, affecting how you feel and how you are treated.

Obesity and Weight Control The Physiology of Obesity Bodies store fat for good reason Increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, gall stones, arthritis, certain types of cancer.

Obesity and Weight Control Set point and metabolism Once you become fat, it takes less food to maintain weight than to get there. Fat has a lower metabolic rate than muscle Lean people seem naturally predisposed to move around more.

Obesity and Weight Control The genetic factor The food and activity factors Sleep loss Social influence Changing cultural norms

Obesity and Weight Control

Obesity and Weight Control The genetic factor The food and activity factors Sleep loss Social influence Changing cultural norms Changing food consumption and lower activity levels are cause of increased obesity.

Assignment Create a graph that shows your present approximate weight and what your weight will be per year if you gain ½ a pound a year AND 1 pound a year up to your 10th & 20th high school reunion.