Hunger Signals, Food Reward, and Low-Carb Diets

By Published Medically reviewed by Dr. Laura Buchanan, MDReviewed

Hunger is not a single signal. Physical hunger, appetite, cravings, learned cues and food reward can each create a desire to eat—and they do not always arrive together.

In this Grand Rounds lecture, Dr. Tro examines how the modern food environment can amplify hunger and reward, how low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets may change appetite, and why understanding your own signals can make an eating plan easier to sustain.

Binge Eating, Appetite & Food Intake · 1:13:35

What to listen for

As you watch, notice the distinction between needing food and wanting a particular food. Keep a recent eating experience in mind: where were you, what drew you toward food, and did eating leave you satisfied? Connecting the discussion to a familiar situation can give you more specific questions to bring to your care team.

For a written introduction to the related topic, read Binge Eating and Stress Eating: Why It Happens and How Low-Carb Nutrition Can Help.

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