Eating as an Automatic Behavior
2008
Eating as an Automatic Behavior
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Deborah Cohen, Thomas A. Farley
Primary Institution: RAND Corporation
Hypothesis
Is eating an automatic behavior influenced more by the environment than by individual control?
Conclusion
Eating is largely an automatic behavior influenced by environmental factors rather than conscious self-regulation.
Supporting Evidence
- Studies show that larger portion sizes lead to increased food consumption.
- People eat more when food is easily accessible and visible.
- Social settings can significantly increase the amount of food consumed.
Takeaway
People often eat without thinking about it, and the environment around them can make them eat more, even if they don't want to.
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