Tag: Eating psychology

According to recent research from the Max Planck Institute, the 'dessert stomach' phenomenon is not a myth but a real brain-driven mechanism. This happens because the brain's reward system overrides the body's usual satiety signals, explaining why we can eat dessert when full.

According to a review published by the National Institutes of Health, food refusal is a severe feeding problem in which children refuse to eat all or most foods presented and exhibit problems with growth. The definition of food refusal extends beyond typical 'picky eating' and includes a range of behavioral, psychological, and physiological factors that can affect individuals of any age.

According to a study published in BMC Geriatrics, poor appetite affects between 15% and 30% of community-dwelling older adults, but the phenomenon of feeling hungry without the desire to eat can happen at any age. This confusing sensation is more than just picky eating; it involves a disconnect between your body's physical need for nourishment and your psychological willingness to consume it.

In Japan, a specific word, *betsubara* (別腹), exists to describe a phenomenon known worldwide: finding room for dessert even after a large meal. This concept, known playfully as the Japanese second stomach, highlights a deep-seated cultural appreciation for sweets and a psychological quirk known as sensory-specific satiety.

According to a 2023 study published in the journal *Frontiers in Nutrition*, women are more likely to consume fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, foods often socially constructed as feminine. Historically and culturally, certain items and preparation styles have been assigned a feminine identity, creating the intriguing question: What foods are considered feminine and why?

The term food fatigue is used colloquially to describe two very different experiences. While one is the temporary tiredness felt after a large meal, the other describes the psychological boredom from eating the same foods over and over.

The human brain uses two primary pathways to regulate food intake: the homeostatic system, driven by energy needs, and the hedonic system, driven by pleasure. This critical distinction helps explain why we sometimes eat for survival and other times for enjoyment, even when full, highlighting the core difference between hedonic and homeostatic eating.

A 2024 review of research found that personality traits like neuroticism and conscientiousness are significantly linked to a person's dietary choices. The meaning of eater person therefore extends far beyond simple nourishment, encompassing psychological behaviors, habits, and even personality.

According to numerous studies, including one referenced by Quizlet, taste is the chief reason people choose the foods they eat. While factors like cost, convenience, and health play a role, the immediate gratification from flavor is the most significant driver of food selection for most individuals.

According to research, slow eaters may be up to 115% less likely to be obese compared to fast eaters. While a fast-paced world often rushes mealtime, many find themselves finishing last, prompting the question: why am I a slow eater?