Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 June 2026
Feeding motivation arises from an interaction between (i) nutrient states, (ii) incentives and associated cues, and (iii) memories of foods and associations. Eating can be excessive (e.g. binges and obesity). Anorexia describes inadequate levels of feeding. The chapter criticizes set-point models. Infusions of nutrients are relatively ineffective in terms of satiety. A distinction is drawn between (i) feeding and (ii) drinking and temperature regulation. Interacting levels of control are involved in feeding. The chapter describes the model of feeding, hunger as a memory process. Signals arising in the gut are involved in feeding motivation and satiety. The chapter revisits hedonic hotspots and hedonic coldspots. A number of key brain regions involved in the control of feeding are described: the hypothalamus, ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, dorsal striatum, medial temporal lobes, and various cortical regions. Also described are the roles of ghrelin and leptin. Food aversions are described: in pregnancy sickness and taste-aversion learning. The chapter describes stress-induced eating.
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