New research suggests that appetite after weight loss may not operate in straightforward ways, with biological signals, feelings of hunger, and eating behaviour not always aligning. An RMIT expert explains.
Dr Sharayah Carter, Lecturer in Human Biosciences (Nutrition and Dietetics)
"Appetite after weight loss involves complex interactions between physiology, perception, behaviour and the environments in which eating occurs.
"Feeling hungrier after weight loss is often framed as a lack of willpower, but the findings of our research suggest it's a normal biological response to losing weight.
"Additionally, the research suggests that even when people experience increased hunger, it does not necessarily translate into them eating more.
"This complexity is also reflected in how different foods can influence appetite in ways that people don't consciously feel.
"When comparing snack bars and almonds, it was found that although the almonds had a stronger hormonal response commonly linked to satiety and metabolic regulation, those physiological changes didn't necessarily translate into people feeling less hungry.
"Food choices may influence appetite-related physiology in subtle ways, even when people don't consciously feel different, but overall appetite regulation appears to involve much more than simply feeling hungry or full."
Dr Sharayah Carter is a Lecturer in Human Biosciences (Nutrition and Dietetics) with over a decade of clinical experience as an Accredited Practising Dietitian. Her research focuses on chronic disease prevention and treatment, particularly in cardiometabolic health, and explores how biological, behavioural and environmental factors interact to influence eating patterns, appetite and long-term health.
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