Personal theories of hunger and eating

Author(s): Pinel, J. P. J., Lehman, D. R.

Journal/Book: J Appl Soc Psychol. 1998; 28: 360 South Ocean Blvd, pH-B, Palm Beach, FL 33480. V H Winston & Son Inc. 998-1015.

Abstract: Recent research on hunger and eating has shown that (a) among individuals with adlibitum access to food, hunger and eating are not regulated by deviations in the body's energy resources from set-points, and (b) it is healthier for people to consume their dal ly caloric intake as several small snacks than as 3 large meals. People's beliefs about hunger and eating were assessed in 2 questionnaire studies. In Study I, a large sample of undergraduates was surveyed; in Study 2, dietetics students, nursing students, medical students, dietitians, nurses, and doctors were surveyed. Both studies revealed that people's personal theories of hunger and eating were inconsistent with research findings in ways that could promote overconsumption. These results suggest that educational programs designed to modify the beliefs about hunger and eating of people suffering from problems of overconsumption and of health professionals who treat problems of overconsumption may increase the effectiveness of current treatment regimens.

Note: Article Assanand S, Univ British Columbia, Dept Psychol, 2136 W Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, CANADA

Keyword(s): BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT; CALORIC RESTRICTION; OBESITY; WEIGHT; APPETITE; SATIETY; RATS; INSULIN

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