Brain Basis of Eating Behaviors
Discussion Post:
Post a description of the brain basis of eating behaviors. That description should detail the brain regions that promote eating and satiety, as well as the neurotransmitters and hormones that are involved in these behaviors. Briefly discuss the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of reducing caloric intake to lose weight. Then, based on your last name, you will summarize the current understanding of a particular eating disorder: obesity (last names starting with A–H); anorexia (last names starting with I–Q); or bulimia (last names starting with R–Z). ((((My Last Name starts with a W So Bulimia will be the topic
Include what is currently understood about brain regions, hormones, or neurotransmitters involved with your disorder and talk about any existing treatment options. Then, based on your understanding of the biological factors that influence weight gain and homeostasis, you will propose a brain-based therapy for your disorder (i.e., drugs, genetic treatments, deep brain stimulation, etc.). Lastly, research suggests that many young people develop eating disorders based on comments from family and friends as well as social pressure. With that in mind, and based on your understanding of motivation factors related to eating and your understanding of eating disorders, propose an approach you might take to encourage a teenage friend or family member to eat healthily and NOT develop an eating disorder. You may include any relevant information from personal experiences, the Learning Resources, or other sources.
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Optional Resources
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated. (n.d.). Eating disorder statisticsLinks to an external site..
Arnold, C. (2016, February 17). The invisible link between autism and anorexiaLinks to an external site.. Spectrum.
Berrettini, W. (2004). The genetics of eating disordersLinks to an external site.. Psychiatry (Edgmont), 1(3), 18-25.
Fothergill, E., Guo, J., Howard, L., Kerns, J. C., Knuth, N. D., Brychta, R., … Hall, K. D. (2016). Persistent metabolic adaptation 6 years after “The Biggest Loser” competitionLinks to an external site.. Obesity: A Research Journal, 24(8), 1612–1619.
Ngun, T. C., & Vilain, E. (2014). The biological basis of human sexual orientation: Is there a role for epigenetics?Links to an external site. Adv Genet, 86, 167–184.
Szalavitz, M. (2016, March 1). Autism—It’s different in girlsLinks to an external site.. Scientific American Mind.
Waller, G. (2016). Recent advances in psychological therapies for eating disorders. F1000Research, 5, 702.
Williams, T. J., Pepitone, M. E., Christensen, T. E., Cooke, B. M., Huberman, A. D., Breedlove, N. J., … Breedlove, S. M. (2000). Finger-length ratios and sexual orientation. Nature, 404, 455–456.
Optional Media
Many appropriate media pieces to further your understanding are available through the textbook publisher website:
SAGE edge. Brain & behavior: An introduction to biological psychology by Bob GarrettLinks to an external site..
Week 4 Brain and Eating Behavior
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Week 4 Brain and Eating Behavior
Eating behaviors are controlled by the human brain through the hypothalamus, parietal and visual cortices, amygdala and hippocampus, prefrontal cortex ventral tegmental area (VTA), and striatum (van Eeden et al., 2021). The hypothalamus performs the homeostatic role, parietal and visual cortices play the role of attention seeking, the amygdala and hippocampus play the role of emotions and memory control, the prefrontal cortex offers cognitive abilities, and the VTA and striatum enhance a reward perspective (Donofry et al., 2020). These parts and elements of the human brain collectively play a role in influencing human eating behaviors.
Bulimia is an eating disorder that is characterized by overeating within a short period of time. It is then followed by acts and feelings of guilt