måltidsstimuli

Måltidsstimuli refers to the sensory cues that trigger hunger and the desire to eat. These stimuli can be both external and internal, originating from the body or the environment. Internal stimuli include physiological signals such as a drop in blood glucose levels, the presence of ghrelin (a hormone that stimulates appetite), and contractions in the stomach. These signals communicate to the brain that the body needs fuel.

External stimuli are sensory inputs from the surroundings that can induce or increase the urge to eat, even in the absence of significant physiological hunger. These include visual cues like the sight of food, the aroma of cooking, the sounds associated with meal preparation or eating (such as chewing), and the taste of food. Social cues can also play a role, as eating with others or observing others eat can stimulate appetite. The anticipation of a meal, often linked to specific times of day or habitual eating patterns, also acts as a powerful måltidsstimuli. Understanding these stimuli is important in fields like nutrition, psychology, and behavioral science, as they influence eating habits and can contribute to conditions like overeating or disordered eating.