Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Obesity

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in...

Binge Eating Disorders

Binge Eating Disorders

Binge eating disorder is a significant mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption within a short period, accompanied by a perceived loss of control over eating behavior. Unlike occasional overeating, binge eating disorder is marked by distressing emotions such as guilt, shame, and anxiety following binge episodes. The disorder affects individuals across different ages and backgrounds, with profound implications for physical and psychological...

The Influence of Cognition on Affect

The Influence of Cognition on Affect

Cognition plays a pivotal role in shaping emotional experiences, as demonstrated by Schachter and Singer’s two-factor theory of emotion. According to this model, emotion arises from a combination of physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. The body’s physiological response to stimuli is ambiguous and only gains emotional significance through cognitive labeling. For instance, an increased heart rate and adrenaline surge while standing near an attractive person may be...

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent obsessions, compulsions, or both, which consume significant time and interfere with daily functioning. Obsessions involve persistent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that evoke anxiety. Common examples include irrational fears of contamination or harm. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions. For instance, individuals...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Using Partner-Driven Maximum Variance Sampling to Form a Lived Experience Panel: Step-by-Step Tutorial.

Journal of participatory medicine·2026

Same author

Trait mindfulness as a strategy to mitigate substance use among American Indian/Alaska Native adults.

Journal of prevention & intervention in the community·2025

Same author

An individual participant data meta-analysis investigating the mediating role of eating behavior traits in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based weight management interventions.

Annals of behavioral medicine : a publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine·2025

Same author

Individual participant data meta-analysis of eating behaviour traits as effect modifiers in acceptance and commitment therapy-based weight management interventions.

International journal of obesity (2005)·2025

Same author

Microbial dipeptidyl peptidases of the S9B family as host-microbe isozymes.

Science advances·2025

Same author

Obesity modifies the association between diabetes and iron biomarkers and red cell indices in reproductive-aged women in the United States.

Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research·2024

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Errors as a Means of Reducing Impulsive Food Choice

Errors as a Means of Reducing Impulsive Food Choice

Published on: June 5, 2016

Cognitive dysfunction is a risk factor for overeating and obesity.

John Gunstad¹, Victoria Sanborn¹, Misty Hawkins²

¹Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University.

The American Psychologist

|February 14, 2020

Summary

Cognitive dysfunction, including issues with attention and memory, is linked to overeating and obesity. New weight loss strategies aim to improve cognitive function or tailor treatments to individual cognitive profiles.

More Related Videos

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System

Published on: May 8, 2018

Palatable Western-style Cafeteria Diet as a Reliable Method for Modeling Diet-induced Obesity in Rodents

Palatable Western-style Cafeteria Diet as a Reliable Method for Modeling Diet-induced Obesity in Rodents

Published on: November 1, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Errors as a Means of Reducing Impulsive Food Choice

Errors as a Means of Reducing Impulsive Food Choice

Published on: June 5, 2016

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System

Published on: May 8, 2018

Palatable Western-style Cafeteria Diet as a Reliable Method for Modeling Diet-induced Obesity in Rodents

Palatable Western-style Cafeteria Diet as a Reliable Method for Modeling Diet-induced Obesity in Rodents

Published on: November 1, 2019

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Psychology
Public Health

Background:

Growing evidence links cognitive dysfunction to overeating and obesity.
Neural responses to food cues can predispose individuals to overeating.
Cognitive factors like attention and memory significantly moderate eating behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the literature connecting cognitive dysfunction with overeating and obesity.
To discuss the role of cognitive factors in eating behaviors.
To explore novel weight loss interventions targeting cognitive deficits.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on cognitive function, overeating, and obesity.
Analysis of cognitive factors such as attentional bias and delay discounting.
Examination of current and future weight loss intervention strategies.

Main Results:

Deficits in attentional bias, delay discounting, and episodic memory are clearly associated with overeating.
Weight loss interventions are emerging that target these specific cognitive deficits.
Interventions may involve direct cognitive improvement or tailored weight management.

Conclusions:

Cognitive dysfunction is a significant factor in overeating and obesity.
Targeting cognitive deficits offers a promising avenue for weight loss interventions.
Future interventions must consider obesity-related factors like sleep, stress, and socioeconomic burden for long-term success.