Beyond Physiology: Closing the Behavior–Physiology Loop

Abstract

The eating behavior of humans is unique because it is, on the one hand, controlled by biological states of need (short- and long-term) and, on the other hand, cognitively mediated—that is, we make reasoned decisions about what and what not to eat. We are the only species on the planet “in which hungry individuals will voluntarily refuse to consume readily available, appealing food”¹⁷¹ in order to meet some particular objective—from achieving aesthetic or health goals to demonstrating a moral conviction (e.g., as in a political hunger strike).¹⁷²