Introductory psychologyLesson 2 of 4 in the course Emotion and Motivation

Hunger, Body-Weight Regulation, and Eating Disorders

5 flashcards · 3 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Hunger helps motivate us to seek food, while signals of fullness help regulate when we stop eating. This lesson explains how the body detects energy needs and how the brain integrates signals related to hunger and satiation.

When the stomach is empty, it contracts. These contractions can be experienced as hunger pangs. Chemical messages also travel to the brain and help initiate feeding behavior. A drop in blood glucose can prompt the pancreas and liver to generate chemical signals that encourage hunger and eating.

All flashcards

What are hunger pangs?
Sensations that can occur when an empty stomach contracts and contribute to the motivation to eat.
What is leptin?
A hormone released by fat cells that contributes to signals associated with satiety.
What does set-point theory propose?
That a genetically influenced ideal weight is defended through compensatory changes in energy intake or expenditure.
How can bariatric surgery affect food intake or absorption?
It modifies the gastrointestinal system to reduce how much food can be eaten and/or absorbed.
What is amenorrhea?
Cessation of menstrual periods, which can occur as a health consequence of anorexia nervosa.

Quiz questions

  1. What sensation can result from contractions of an empty stomach?Answer: Hunger pangs.
  2. What is one limitation of BMI when assessing an individual?Answer: It does not distinguish muscle from fat.
  3. Which pattern is associated with Prader-Willi syndrome?Answer: Persistent intense hunger and reduced metabolic rate.

Based on Psychology 2e by Rose M. Spielman, William J. Jenkins, Marilyn D. Lovett (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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