Abstract:
Every day we are exposed to hundreds of different food cues. These cues can become salient motivational triggers for eating and may be contributing to the obesity epidemic. In the following talk, I will present research on how exposure to food cues in a simulated fast food restaurant increases motivational drive for food (but not the experience of enjoyment when consuming the food) and this is a potential pathway to increased caloric intake. Next, I will discuss preliminary data on how food commercials may be activating reward and motivational neural circuitry and how this response may be enhanced in adolescents at greater risk for obesity. I will end with a discussion of some policy considerations regarding restricting food marketing.