The control of appetite: basic concepts and practical implications

Over the last decade physiological mechanisms have been revealed which have increased our understanding of the role of biology in controlling energy b alance through processes of inhibition and termination of eating. However, in the majority of cases, these mechanisms do not constitute a biological i mperative. The expression of appetite remains dependent upon an interaction between biology and the environment [4] and, at the present time, the envi ronment contains extremely potent factors which for many people (adults and children) can readily overcome biological processes operating to maintain body weight.