Final answer:
External cues that influence food intake include exercise, culture and family traditions, availability and cost of food, psychological factors, advertising, and socioeconomic status. These factors can cause variations in when people feel hunger and what they choose to eat.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several external cues that influence food intake, affecting when we feel hungry and when we decide to eat. Some of these cues include:
- Exercise: It can act as both an appetite stimulant and suppressant. After exercising, people may crave healthier foods and feel a reduced appetite due to hormonal changes.
- Culture and Family: Cultural norms and practices, as well as family traditions, can dictate food preferences and meal timings.
- Availability and Cost: Accessibility and affordability of food options can impact food choices, often steering people towards unhealthy, highly caloric fast foods.
- Psychological factors: Stress and anxiety can reduce appetite, whereas a pleasant environment can increase consumption.
- Advertising and the Food Industry: Ads and the visibility of food establishments can trigger cravings and influence dietary choices.
- Socioeconomic status: This can affect the ability to access healthier food options and engage in physical activities, contributing to obesity.