Tag: eating

  • Weighing in on Weight Stigma: Obesity Stigma Symposium at UCLA

    The prevalence of adult obesity in the United States has nearly doubled since 1980, and over two-thirds of American adults are currently overweight or obese. Weight bias (stereotyping or discrimination directed at an individual related to his/her weight) is prevalent in modern American society, and overweight individuals experience weight bias from a range of sources,…

  • Social Facilitation and Food: Your Friends are Bigger than Your Stomach

    Social Facilitation and Food: Your Friends are Bigger than Your Stomach

    In the 21st century, many people still attribute their eating behavior primarily to factors such as hunger and taste. However, research on the psychology of eating indicates that the social presence and behavior of others can also have an enormous impact on food consumption.

  • The Politics of Eating and Exercising: Are We Getting It Right?

    Eat healthier. Exercise. Our culture is currently full of messages telling us to change our habits, to turn us into a leaner, healthier society. While these messages are easier said than done, they’re perfectly warranted: The Centers for Disease Control reports that childhood obesity has tripled since the 1970s. So what can we do to…

  • How We See Food

    I’m not a great cook, but I know what I like. Or do I? Research from Brian Wansink and colleagues may challenge our ideas about how we think of food. How do we behave at buffets? Can a clever name really encourage us to eat something ordinary? Will placement of food at a cafeteria really…

  • It’s the Season of Eating, Should We Be Concerned?

    Co-authored by Nicole Yu and Alexandra Dupont The candy and treat gorging associated with Halloween has come and gone but the holiday season of eating has just started.  This leaves many of us excited, yet concerned about our fitness and maintaining a healthy weight.  As tempting food surrounds us this season, it is not uncommon…