Conditioned hypereating leads to obesity from "summary" of The End of Overeating by David A. Kessler
Conditioned hypereating is a process that can lead to obesity. It involves a combination of factors that work together to override our body's natural signals of hunger and fullness. This conditioning can be so powerful that it can cause us to eat even when we are not hungry, leading to an excess consumption of calories. The food industry plays a significant role in this conditioning. By creating foods that are highly palatable and rewarding, they are able to trigger the brain's reward system and create a strong desire to eat. This can lead to a cycle of craving and consumption that is difficult to break. In addition to the food itself, our environment also plays a role in conditioning us to overeat. Cues such as the sight or smell of food can trigger automatic responses that compel us to eat, even if we are not truly hungry. These cues can be so powerful that they can cause us to eat in the absence of hunger, leading to a pattern of compulsive eating. Over time, this pattern of conditioned hypereating can lead to weight gain and obesity. The excess calories consumed as a result of this conditioning can cause our bodies to store fat, leading to an increase in body weight. This weight gain can then exacerbate the problem, as it can further disrupt our body's natural signals of hunger and fullness.- But it is possible. By becoming more aware of the cues that trigger our desire to eat, we can begin to take steps to regain control over our eating habits. This may involve making changes to our environment, such as removing tempting foods or avoiding situations that trigger overeating. It may also involve retraining our brains to respond differently to these cues, so that we can make more conscious choices about when and what to eat. Ultimately, by breaking the cycle of conditioned hypereating, we can take steps towards achieving a healthier relationship with food and preventing obesity.
