Objective And Subjective Aspects Of The Drive To Eat In Obesogenic Environments

In obesogenic environments the compulsion to eat and eating behaviors occur even though biomarkers of physiological hunger are not present. Appetite is driven by a symphony of invisible hormones, enzymes, peptides, neurotransmitters and neuromodulators from peripheral inputs including the sensory organs, adipose tissue, stomach, small intestines and pancreas acting in the gut and the central nervous system (CNS) particularly the hindbrain, hypothalamus and cerebral cortex. Many of these responses are catalyzed by the visible abundance of food and food cues that are ever-present for an increasing number of people. Other aspects of the environment that unconsciously (mindlessly) increase food intake are: large packages, eating distractions, convenience, as well as physical characteristics of foods such as high food salience and increases in variety. Chemosensory (i.e., sweetness) and visual manipulations (e.g., colors and shapes) of food are prominent features of the obesogenic environment and are deceptive with regard to both consumption volume and energy density. This chapter will explore the linkages of these objective neurophysiological parameters, their environmental triggers and the subjective experiences of obesogenic eating