Executive functions and the self-regulation of eating behavior: A review. (1st May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dohle, Simone; Diel, Katharina; Hofmann, Wilhelm
• Is Part Of: Appetite. Volume 124(2018)
• Page Start: 4
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2018-05-01
• Subjects: Executive functions -- Working memory -- Behavioral inhibition -- Self-regulation -- Self-control -- Eating behavior; Food habits -- Periodicals; Appetite -- Periodicals; Appetite disorders -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2017.05.041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6663

Abstract

Abstract: In order to pursue the long-term goal of losing weight, a dieter needs to resist the urge to eat appealing, tasty foods. Beside sufficient motivation to resist these foods, dieters also need the capacity for successful self-regulation, and this capacity is strongly related to executive functions. Executive function is an umbrella term encompassing a number of interrelated higher-order cognitive processes that allow people to take goal-directed action. In this review, we outline how basic facets of executive functioning (updating, inhibiting, and shifting) contribute to the successful self-regulation of eating behavior. Moreover, we identify aspects of the self-regulation of eating behavior that are still under-researched. We conclude by outlining the implications of the extant research for intervention strategies and the design of future research studies on the role of executive functions for the self-regulation of eating behavior.