Why Do We Eat?

We eat of course because we’re hungry. But what makes us feel hungry? Our physiological state, body chemistry and hypothalamic activity are the drivers behind our eagerness to eat. Yet there is more to hunger than just the need to eat.

A Tale of Two Amnesiacs

Researchers tested two patients with chronic amnesia who had no memory of events that happened more than a minute prior. Twenty minutes after eating a normal lunch, if these patients were offered another lunch, they both readily consumed it. Then a third meal was offered to them and again it was welcomed and eaten. This suggests that a part of knowing when to eat, is we remember when we had our last meal. As time passes since we last ate we begin to think about eating more and more, and start feeling hungry.


This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.

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