Poor nutrition leading to overeating?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between poor nutrition and overeating, with participants debating whether nutrient deficiencies drive increased food consumption. Key points include the impact of rising portion sizes due to mass production and consumer demand for value, as well as the evolutionary predisposition to crave fats and sugars. A peer-reviewed article from the journal Nature is referenced, highlighting obesity prevalence among children with asthma, which adds a layer to the conversation about dietary habits and health outcomes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nutritional science and its impact on human behavior
  • Knowledge of evolutionary biology related to food cravings
  • Familiarity with portion size trends in American diets
  • Awareness of obesity research methodologies and peer-reviewed literature
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of portion size on overeating and obesity
  • Explore the role of nutrient deficiencies in food cravings
  • Examine evolutionary psychology related to dietary preferences
  • Read the article "Higher Prevalence of Obesity Among Children With Asthma" in Pediatric Obesity
USEFUL FOR

Nutritionists, health educators, psychologists studying eating behaviors, and anyone interested in the links between diet, portion sizes, and obesity trends.

11thHeaven
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A friend of mine is quite taken with the idea that the lack of nutrition in typically consumed food is causing our bodies to crave more food (to make up the missing nutrients), leading to overeating and obesity.

I'm quite sceptical of this supposed link but I'd love to hear the opinions of people more well versed in the science of our anatomy.
 
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We overeat because:

1. Portion size has been increasing over the decades
-because food is cheap and easy to mass produce
-because people want "more bang for their buck"

2. Because things which we are evolutionarily programed to crave (fats and sweet sugars) are in abundance and easily obtainable

I think for most Americans portion size is probably the bane of their midsection.
 
bobze said:
I think for most Americans portion size is probably the bane of their midsection.

Yes, I agree that a good majority of Americans appear to be overweight though I don't see too much of it where I live. Also, I don't consider myself being overweight. I'm an adult female that weights 103-113 lbs. Today I grazed throughout the day from a large bowl filled with diced spinach, an egg, two slices of chopped chicken, 6 lima beans, a handful of diced tomatoes, 3 tablespoons raisons, 1/3 cup white cheese, diced carats, ¼ cup sunflower seeds, and two teaspoons of sesame dressing. :approve:Very interesting recent publication I thought you might enjoy reading from the peer-reviewed journal Nature on Pediatric Obesity(1041–1047. doi:10.1038/oby.2012.5):Higher Prevalence of Obesity Among Children With Asthma: http://www.nature.com/oby/journal/v20/n5/full/oby20125a.html
 

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