Psychology of Eating Part II - 9 avril 2008 Psychology VII Psychosocial factors 1 Often eat not because were hungry but that it is,lunchtime 2 Also food

9 avril 2008 Psychology VII. Psychosocial factors 1. Often eat not because we’re hungry but that it is ‘lunchtime’ 2. Also, food that smells good 3. Children may learn to prefer large portions (high in fat, sugar and calories) 4. Concern  overweight, obese children (high probability to become an obese adult) 5. Culture affects food performance and body weight Eg: 1970’s Czech republic govt subsidized fatty sausage + dairy products 45% Czech women  obese and highest heart disease 6. China today  developing preference for western foods (overweight, strokes) 7. Personality can play a role in both overeating and eating problems Prone to stress or depression * most obvious is over-concern for approval, high archievement * physical or sexual abuse  depression  food intake rises VIII. Obesity 1. Old view  lack willpower to resist especially when food is in view 2. Much more complex: a combination of biology and psychology 3. More food than required + lack of exercise Input  Output 4. Clearly, obesiti is associated with mortality 5. Body mass index >30 : “obese” 6. MRI studies: obeses subjects suffer from dopamine shortage (like drug addicts, seek reward in food) 7.