Hyper-palatable foods (HPFs) are food categories distinguished by their highly pleasurable taste and sensory appeal, attributed to their elevated levels of fat, sodium, simple sugars, and carbohydrates. These components contribute to their exceptional satisfaction upon consumption, often resulting in overeating due to their significant reward value.

A condition in which there is an excess of androgens (male sex hormones such as testosterone) in females. It can cause symptoms like excess hair growth, acne, scalp hair thinning, and can contribute to menstrual irregularities and disorders such as PCOS.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is the primary neuroendocrine system in the human body that regulates stress response mechanisms (DeMorrow, 2018). It represents the interaction of the hypothalamus with the pituitary and adrenal glands and releases hormones during stress. In this course, the HPA will be discussed as an active component of the MGBA.

The hypothalamus is a region deep within the brain that serves as the body’s control center for maintaining homeostasis. It regulates various physiological processes, including appetite and energy balance, making it a key player in controlling food intake and metabolism.