The results of psychological tests of the obese are inconsistent and no characteristic personality structure of the obese can be deduced from them. Investigations in childhood obesity failed to establish a general psychogenetic model of obesity. Yet overweight and ideal weight-subjects differ in spontaneous eating behaviour. Appetite and satiety of obese subjects are controlled by external stimuli to a far greater extent than in nonobese. From a behavioural scientific viewpoint it is proposed that learning experiences during childhood socialisation generate the disposition for obesity which can manifest itself later, after interaction with a special environment. At this stage, however, individual reactions to starting overweight are insolved; this process is strongly influenced by individual personality structures: an inadequate conflict management favours obesity; by cognitive control normal weight can be preserved in spite of the acquired disposition for obesity. Taking these "latently obese" as an example the role of personality structure and wrong eating habits is discussed and related to possible therapeutic strategies. A model of the psychogenetic basis of obesity is proposed. In this model eating-related learning experience is attributed a primary role and individual personality structure a secondary role in the psychogenesis of obesity.

Age Factors↗

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[Experimental studies on human appetitive behavior during stress].

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Appetite↗

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[Eating behavior in the elderly and its consequences for nutrition].

The nutritional situation of the elderly is characterised on the one hand by changes in nutrient requirements resulting from increased age and on the other hand by altered nutritional needs. Faulty eating habits, malnutrition as well as overeating are not uncommon. Experimental research in spontaneous feeding behavior lead to the conclusion that not only is the modifiability of food intake through environmental stimulation reduced in the elderly, but also the efficiency of internal cues through which the degree of satiety is experienced. Investigation of taste and smell in which a total reduction of sensory capacity was ascertained, point in the same direction: sensory deficits have a cumulative effect on the appetite of the elderly. An increased reliance on habit and rational as well as pseudo-rational eating rules was observed on the part of the elderly. Indications for praxis are derived from these observations which are discussed in the context of a theoretical concept.

Aged↗