Are We Aware of the External Factors that Influence Our Food Intake?

Abstract

Objectives: This research examines the extent to which people accurately report some of the external influences on their food intake. Design: In two studies, specific factors (the presence and behavior of others) were manipulated in order to influence the amount of food that individuals consumed.

Main Outcome Measures: The main outcomes of interest were participants’ spontaneously generated explanations for their food intake (Study 1; n 122), and their ratings of the importance of several potential determinants of food intake (Study 2; n 75).

Results: In Study 1, there was high concordance between the amounts eaten by members of a dyad, but very few participants indicated that they were influenced by their partner’s behavior; they instead identified hunger and taste as the primary determinants of intake. Study 2 showed that participants’ intake was strongly influenced by the behavior of others, but people rated taste and hunger as much more important influences on their intake. Conclusions: If external environmental factors influence people’s food intake without their awareness or acknowledgment, then maintaining a healthy diet can be a challenge, with long-term consequences for health and well-being.

Keywords: food intake, overeating, external influences, social influences