Why We Overeat

A few reasons why we tend to overeat:

The Current Food Environment

The modern food environment is arguably the single most influential factor in overeating. You are surrounded by cheap, convenient, hyperpalatable, highly engineered food specifically designed to override your fullness signals. Adding to the problem is the availability of late-night delivery and dining.

Your Brain is on a Schedule

Much of your hunger comes from your memory. Your brain learns patterns of when you typically eat and begins preparing your body in advance. In other words, it expects to be fed on the schedule you trained it on.

Food Variety and Dining with Others

People eat significantly more when they have a greater variety of food choices. We also eat more when dining with others, especially if it’s with people we like.

Appetizer Means Appetite

Instead of taking the edge off your hunger, appetizers actually prime your brain to want more in anticipation. You end up eating a larger meal. This is why restaurants tempt you with them.