Sensory-specific appetite refers to the appetite for food being cued through smell (Boesveldt, 2016).

SSDs can be described as a general desire for certain tastes (e.g., sweet, salty, or fatty foods) and an intrinsic motivation to eat a food that contains that characteristic (Olsen, 2011),.

A sensory hedonic phenomenon refers to the declining satisfaction generated by the consumption of a certain type of food and the consequent renewal in appetite resulting from exposure to a new flavor or food. SSS is why you still have room for dessert even when you are full from dinner.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that contributes to the regulation of mood, appetite, and sleep. It is widely distributed in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Serotonin is often called the”feel-good” neurotransmitter and is associated with feelings of well-being and happiness. Imbalances in serotonin levels are linked to conditions like depression and anxiety.

SCFAs such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate are the most common microbial metabolites produced in the large intestine’s digestion of complex carbohydrates (dietary fibers). SCFAs regulate gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, nourishing the gut barrier, and maintaining gut barrier functions (Silva, Bernardi, & Frozza, 2020).

Signaling molecules carry information (messages) from one cell to adjacent cells within the body. Signaling molecules vary in size, shape, structure, and function. For instance, in the case of MGBA, gut peptides, hormones, or other metabolites act as signaling molecules through which microbiota communicate and interact with distant organs, including the brain, lungs, kidneys, and liver.

Social disparities refer to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society. These disparities can be based on factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, or education and result in differences in access to healthcare, education, employment, and other social determinants of well-being.

The tendency for people to eat more when eating in groups than when eating alone (Herman, 2015).

Social factors encompass the environmental and societal influences that shape individual health and well-being, such as socioeconomic status, education, cultural beliefs, social networks, and relationship quality. These factors profoundly impact behaviors, stress levels, access to healthcare, and overall mental and physical health outcomes.

The adjustments in food intake that people make in response to those they are eating with (Vartanian et al., 2015).