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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
Neural correlates of individual differences related to appetite
Michael R Lowe1, Jason van Steenburgh, Christopher Ochner
1Department of Psychology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA. lowe@drexel.edu
Abstract:
Using neuroimaging technologies to compare normal weight and obese individuals can reveal much about the pathophysiological state of obesity but such comparisons tell us little about what makes some normal weight individuals susceptible to obesity or about important individual differences amongst obese individuals. The current review therefore reviews neuroimaging research on individual difference measures that can illuminate these important topics. After introducing three neuropsychological models of the nature of motivation to approach rewarding stimuli, neuroimaging research on measures of impulsivity, craving, binge eating, restrained eating and disinhibited eating is reviewed. Although neuroimaging research on individual differences measures of brain activity related to appetite is in its infancy, existing studies suggest that such research could enrich the understanding, prevention and treatment of disordered eating and obesity.
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