Resolved To Lose Weight? Social Cues Encourage Overeating

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Source: University of Toronto

Date: 2005-12-31

URL: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/12/051231180459.htm

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Resolved To Lose Weight? Social Cues Encourage Overeating:

University Of Toronto Study

Socially informed perceptions of which foods are appropriate to eat,

when they should be eaten and how much should be consumed have a

greater impact on our food intake than feelings of hunger or

fullness, says a University of Toronto review paper published in

Physiology & Behavior.

U of T psychology professors Herman and Janet Polivy examined

more than 30 years of research to survey the principles governing

overeating and obesity. They found that while medical approaches

continue to emphasize hunger and satiety as the root of the obesity

epidemic, these two factors are usually not the most significant

causes of overeating.

Instead, people allow environmental cues to dominate their eating

choices, rather than adhering to selections that would satisfy their

physical or nutritional needs. Portion size, palatability, variety

and the food intake of fellow eaters are all potent influences on

individual consumption. Norms may also become elevated depending on

the social context in which they function, such as the case of the

individual who, wishing to avoid appearing overindulgent, may refuse

second helpings at a formal meal but accept them when eating at an

all-you-can-eat buffet or among family and close friends.

" It's an insidious effect, " Herman says. " People are often

rudderless in eating situations and they look to the activity of

others, their own previous behaviour or other social cues to guide

them and thereby consume more than they need. Frequently, eating

occurs within what we have termed a zone of biological indifference,

in which the individual is neither genuinely hungry nor genuinely

sated. Without any particular biological reason to start, continue

or stop eating, we are particularly vulnerable to socially based

influences. "

" Norms of appropriateness have yet to achieve mainstream status in

current medical research into obesity and overeating and in public

policy concerned with curbing the obesity epidemic, " Polivy

says. " No one seems to be aware of the power that social influence

has on eating, but if such considerations are integrated more deeply

into this area, we may see some more practical results. "