November 3: You Are What You Eat

During the past 20 years the rate of obesity in the United States has dramatically increased. The raising trend in obesity has been observed in children, women, and men of all populations and ethnic groups. The CDC provides an excellent snap shot into the growing epidemic, http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html There are and continues to be many assumptions as to what are the driving forces behind the obesity epidemic with reduced physical activity and increased caloric intake being seen as the major drivers. But could there be additional drivers, are there factors in our human makeup that maybe the cause of this trend. Why is it that some can eat all their heart desires and never gain a pound (we all have those friends), food for thought.

Readings:
Food for thought. What you eat depends on your sex and eating companions
Food for Thought_What You Eat Depends on Your Sex and Eating Companions

Consumption stereotypes and impression management: How you are what you eat
Consumption Stereotypes and Impression Management