"Even though we know better, we often eat too much. Why does our behavior betray our own intentions to be lean and healthy? No one wants to overeat. And certainly no one wants to overeat for years, become overweight, and end up with a high risk of diabetes or heart disease--yet two-thirds of Americans do precisely that. The problem, argues obesity and neuroscience researcher Stephan J. Guyenet, is not necessarily a lack of willpower or an incorrect understanding of what to eat. Rather, our appetites and food choices are led astray by ancient, instinctive brain circuits that play by the rules of a survival game that no longer exists. And these circuits don't care about how you look in a bathing suit next summer...The Hungry Brain delivers profound insights into why the brain undermines our weight goals and transforms these insights into practical guidelines for eating well and staying slim..."--Dust jacket.

The fattest man on the island -- The selection problem -- The chemistry of seduction -- The United States of food reward -- The economics of eating -- The satiety factor -- The hunger neuron -- Rhythms -- Life in the fast lane -- The human computer -- Outsmarting the hungry brain.