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Updated: Apr 29, 2026
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Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
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Dynamic interplay among homeostatic, hedonic, and cognitive feedback circuits regulating body weight
Kevin D Hall1, Ross A Hammond, Hazhir Rahmandad
1Kevin D. Hall is with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD. Ross A. Hammond is with the Brookings Institution, Washington, DC. Hazhir Rahmandad is with the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech, Falls Church, VA.
American Journal of Public Health
|May 17, 2014
Summary
Obesity stems from an energy imbalance regulated by homeostatic, hedonic, and cognitive systems. Integrating these complex interactions through systems science modeling is crucial for future obesity research.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Behavioral Science
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Obesity results from a sustained energy intake and expenditure imbalance.
- Eating behavior is governed by interconnected homeostatic, hedonic, and cognitive control systems.
- Current models often focus on individual systems, lacking comprehensive integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review empirical evidence and dynamic models of energy regulation.
- To highlight the interactions between homeostatic, hedonic, and cognitive systems.
- To propose systems science modeling as a tool for integrating these regulatory mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing empirical evidence.
- Analysis of current dynamic models of eating behavior.
- Discussion of challenges and opportunities for model integration.
Main Results:
- Eating behavior involves complex interplay between homeostatic, hedonic, and cognitive systems.
- Existing models are fragmented, with limited integration across control mechanisms.
- Systems science offers a framework for unifying these diverse regulatory processes.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of obesity requires integrating all three control systems.
- Developing dynamic models that capture system interplay is a research priority.
- Systems science modeling can advance the study and treatment of obesity.
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