Eating behaviour, food preferences and dietary intake in relation to obesity and body-weight status

Identification of behaviours which can be causally linked to overeating arguably presents insight into the aetiology of obesity and, perhaps, opportunities for specific interventions. This view underpins an extensive body of nutritional and behavioural literature directed at characterizing various aspects of eating behaviours in relation to present or past bodyweight status. The topics explored in this type of research have ranged broadly, from the microstructure of eating, through sensory and external cue responsiveness, to measures of actual food choice and intake. The present paper will attempt to briefly review some of these major areas of research, and then to integrate information coming from behavioural studies with current ideas in nutrition and metabolism. While the critical role of energy expenditure and the contributions of animal experimentation are acknowledged, the discussion will be restricted by focusing almost exclusively on studies of human eating behaviour and dietary intake.