Combating Excessive Eating: A Role for Four Evidence-Based Remedies
1Nutrition and Behaviour Unit, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, UK.
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|October 6, 2018
Summary
Controlling energy balance is key to preventing excessive calorie intake. Strategies like reducing food energy density and portion sizes can effectively manage energy consumption and body weight.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Metabolic Regulation
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Energy balance is tightly regulated by negative feedback mechanisms.
- However, energy intake is not perfectly coupled with energy expenditure, leading to potential overconsumption.
- Factors like food energy density, portion size, and meal patterns significantly influence energy intake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms controlling energy balance.
- To identify causes of excessive energy intake.
- To outline strategies for reducing excessive energy intake.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review was conducted.
- Literature on energy balance, intake regulation, and contributing factors was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Despite regulatory mechanisms, humans are prone to excessive energy intake.
- Reducing energy density, optimizing portion sizes, and modifying meal patterns are effective strategies.
- Low-calorie sweeteners can reduce energy density while maintaining reward value, aiding in reduced energy intake and body weight.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the drivers of overeating is crucial for developing effective interventions.
- Targeting energy density and reward per calorie offers a promising approach to weight management.
