#557: Health Psychology & Eating Behaviour – Prof. Jane Ogden

In the realm of health psychology, our understanding of eating behaviors extends beyond mere physiological hunger cues. Research indicates that factors such as learned associations, cultural influences, and individual perceptions play pivotal roles in shaping our dietary choices.

Recognizing this complexity is essential for developing effective dietary interventions that move beyond simplistic recommendations, acknowledging the intricate web of cognitive, emotional, and societal factors at play.

A significant discussion within nutrition science centers on the regulation of eating patterns, particularly the balance between internal cues and external structures. While intuitive eating emphasizes responding to one’s internal hunger signals, studies suggest that these signals are often influenced by external factors such as distractions and learned behaviors. An alternative approach, known as “pinned eating,” proposes structuring meals around fixed times and contexts.

In this episode Prof. Jane Ogden, Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Surrey, discusses these concepts and some of the research her group has carried out.

Guest Information Professor Jane Ogden is a distinguished health psychologist at the University of Surrey, with over three decades of experience in researching eating behavior, weight management, and women’s health. She earned her PhD from the Institute of Psychiatry in London in 1990 and has since contributed extensively to the field through her research and publications. Throughout her career, Professor Ogden has authored several influential books, including “Health Psychology: A Textbook,” now in its seventh edition, and “Thinking Critically about Research.” Her work is widely recognized, leading to her receiving an honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Buckingham in 2022. Timestamps

• [02:01] Interview start
• [02:41] Understanding eating behaviors and influences
• [10:33] Integrating psychology into nutrition practice
• [13:58] Pinned Eating
• [16:46] Critique of Intuitive Eating
• [21:30] Eating behaviors and hunger as a perception
• [26:34] Taste preferences and acquisition in children
• [29:10] Cultural and contextual meanings of food
• [33:25] Disgust and food presentation
• [35:29] Health communication and obesity
• [44:28] Future research in health psychology
• [47:23] Key ideas segment (Premium-only)

Links:

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• Study: Ogden et al., 2020 – The impact of intuitive eating v. pinned eating on behavioural markers: a preliminary investigation