Human evolution has optimized fat storage for survival during food scarcity, yet modern culture promotes overeating through highly palatable foods and societal norms. This mismatch between evolved biological mechanisms and the constant availability of calorie-dense foods contributes significantly to the current obesity epidemic. Cultural factors further complicate this, as food serves not just for nutrition but also as a means of identity and community bonding. Thus, the intersection of biology and culture is central to understanding the complexities of modern-day eating behaviors.
Like all animals, humans evolved in an environment of food scarcity and unpredictability. For millions of years, survival depended on efficient energy storage during times of abundance.
This 'evolutionary mismatch' theory posits that adaptations suited for survival in a food-scarce past are ill-fitted to a food-plentiful present.
Culture shapes the rituals, meanings, and behaviors surrounding food. Food is not merely sustenance; it serves as a vehicle for identity, celebration, and community.
The mismatch between our biology and our environment is at the heart of modern obesity. The neural and hormonal systems... have not evolved to address hyper-palatable...
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