Khaberni - Many believe that poor control over eating is linked to a lack of willpower, but endocrinology, metabolism, and obesity specialist Bia Endocrina Roser clarifies that it is closer to a biological survival program.
According to Roser, our eating behavior is not merely a matter of willpower, but a combination of biochemistry and life experiences.
Roser points to the concept of "mental hunger," which refers to sudden food cravings that are not associated with the body's need for energy, such as the desire for a snack during work or sweets after emotional stress.
At that time, the brain is in a reward state, where certain foods are linked to pleasure through dopamine, teaching the body to repeat the behavior even when full.
She adds that an environment filled with stimuli, from snacks and advertisements to social media, increases these cravings and makes it difficult to listen to natural satiety signals.
Therefore, Roser emphasizes that the solution does not lie in a strict diet or food deprivation but in understanding how the body functions. Severe restrictions increase hunger hormones and slow down metabolism, leading to what is known as the "yo-yo effect."
Among the practical strategies Roser recommends is focusing on the morning meal so that it is rich in protein and fiber from sources such as vegetables, eggs, whole grains, fruits, fish, or lean meats, to stabilize blood sugar and release satiety hormones, reducing the craving for snacks later on.
She also highlights the importance of physical activity, not for quick weight loss, but to enhance muscles, improve the body's insulin sensitivity, and regulate appetite in the long run.
Roser advises not to fight the body but to try to understand it and reduce stimuli, and consume less processed foods, and respect satiety signals, as they are more effective than any temporary diet.
