Biological Component
Humans need energy and nutrients in order to survive and they will respond to the feelings of hunger and satiety. The central nervous system (CNS) is what is involved in controlling the balance between hunger, appetite stimulation and food intake. Macro-nutrients, which are carbohydrates, proteins and fats, generate satiety signals of varying strength (Garrett, 2011). It is believed that fat has the lowest satiating power, while carbohydrates have an intermediate effect and protein to be the most satiating (Stubbs et al via Garrett, 2011). There is also energy density in diets which has been shown to exert potent effects on satiety, low energy density diets generate greater satiety than high energy density diets. The high energy density of high-fat and/or high-sugar foods can lead to ‘passive overconsumption’, where excess energy is ingested unintentionally and without the consumption of additional bulk (Schuler & Kuster, 2011). There is an important satiety signal which may be the volume of food or portion control size consumed. Most individuals are unaware of what constitutes appropriate portion sizes and will inadvertently consume excess energy (Schuler & Kuster, 2011).
Palatability is proportional to the pleasure someone experiences when eating a particular food. It is dependent on the sensory properties of the food such as taste, smell, texture and appearance. Sweet and high-fat foods have an undeniable sensory appeal (Shuler & Kuster, 2011). Food in many cases is not only consumed for nourishment, but for pleasure as well. According to Shuler & Kuster (2011), there has been an increase in food intake as palatability increases, but the effect of palatability on appetite in the period following consumption is not clear. The increase of varieties of foods may also increase the food and energy intake which in turn alters the energy balance. Taste was also consistently reported as a major influence in eating behavior (Schuler & Kuster, 2011). The sensory aspects, such as taste, smell, appearance and texture of food, are believed to influence spontaneous food choices.
Psychological Components
Psychological stress is a common issue of modern life and can modify an individual’s behaviors which can affect their health, such as physical activity, smoking and food choices. The effect of stress on food intake depends on the individual, the stressor and the circumstances. There was a study done by Wardle, Steptoe, Oliver, and Lipsey (2000) that explained that work stress that is prolonged or frequent may cause adverse dietary changes which could increase the possibility of weight gain and consequently cardiovascular risk.
Food today is recognized to influence our mood and it is noted that an individual’s mood has a strong influence over their food choices. It appears that food has an influence on mood and it is related in part to one’s attitude towards that particular food (Wardle, Steptoe, Oliver, & Lipsey, 2000). Individuals that are dieting, most often women, have stated that they feel guilty due to not eating what they believe they should be (Dewberry and Ussher, 1994). Although, attempts are restricting the intake of certain foods might increase one’s desire for these foods, causing more food cravings. According to Dewberry and Ussher (1994), women, more often than men, report food cravings. Depression tends to influence severity of cravings, as well. Food cravings also increase during premenstrual phase, a time when total food intake increases and a parallel change in basal metabolic rate occurs (Dye & Blundell, 1997).
Social Component
What an individual eats is formed by circumstances that are due to social and cultural influence. According to the study by Verstraeten, Van Royen, Ochoa-Aviles, Penafiel, Holdsworth, Donoso, & … Kolsteren (2014), there is an obvious difference to food intake and nutrient intake when dependent upon social class. Poor diets, which results in micronutrient deficiency, and over nutrition, which is energy over consumption causing obesity, are issues that face areas of society, which requires different levels of intervention. The cultural influences tend to lead to different habitual consumptions of specific foods due to traditions or preparations and some restrictions of meat and milk from the diet (Verstraeten, Van Royen, Ochoa-Aviles, Penafiel, Holdsworth, Donoso, & … Kolsteren, 2014). Cultural influences are able to change though, such as moving to another country, or marrying an individual of a different cultural background.
Social influences on food intake often refer to the impact that one or more individuals have on the eating behavior of others, either direct (purchasing food) or indirect (learn from peer’s behavior), either conscious (transfer of beliefs) or subconscious. Food choices are often influenced by social factors because attitudes and habits form through interaction with others. Although, social support has a positive effect on food choices and healthful dietary change (Devine, Connor, Sobal, & Bisogni, 2003). Social support could enhance health promotion through fostering a sense of group belonging and helping people to be more competent and self-efficacious. Research shows that family is widely recognized as being significant in food decisions (Devine, Connor, Sobal, & Bisogni, 2003). Shaping food choices that takes place in the home.
The majority of food is eaten in the home, but there is still a high proportion that is eaten outside the home, for example, in school, at work and in restaurants. Where food is eaten can also play a role in food choices, especially in terms of the foods that are offered. Healthy food in the homes and school is a good option, yet many of those options are limited, especially in schools (Verstraeten, Van Royen, Ochoa-Aviles, Penafiel, Holdsworth, Donoso, & … Kilsteren, 2014). Today children are in schools and eating snack and lunch that are often provided by the districts. Having the option for healthier meals is almost necessary for health when dealing with our youth.
References:
Devine CM, Connors MM, Sobal J and Bisogni CA (2003) Sandwiching it in: spillover of work onto food choices and family roles in low- and moderate-income urban households. Social Science and Medicine 56: 617-630.
Dewberry C, Ussher JM (1994). Restraint and perception of body weight among British adults. J Soc Psychol. 134(5):609-19.
Dye L, Blundell JE (1997) Menstrual cycle and appetite control: implications for weight regulation. Human Reproduction 12(6):1142-51.
Franken, R. E. (2007). Human motivation (6E). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Garrett, B. (2011). Brain and behavior: An introduction to biological psychology. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Schüler, J., & Kuster, M. (2011). Binge eating as a consequence of unfulfilled basic needs: The moderating role of implicit achievement motivation. Motivation & Emotion, 35(1), 89-97. doi:10.1007/s11031-010-9200-y
Verstraeten, R., Van Royen, K., Ochoa-Avilés, A., Penafiel, D., Holdsworth, M., Donoso, S., & ... Kolsteren, P. (2014). A Conceptual Framework for Healthy Eating Behavior in Ecuadorian Adolescents: A Qualitative Study. Plos ONE, 9(1), 1-7. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0087183