Resumo

LOPEZ-ESPINOZA, Antonio et al. Sex, Social Interaction and Food Consumption: "The Eva Effect". Rev. Mex. de trastor. aliment [online]. 2011, vol.2, n.1, pp.10-23. ISSN 2007-1523.

Several elements provide information for food consumption, among them: flavor, texture and temperature. These elements related to environmental characteristics and experience integrate the feeding behavior. Experimental evidence suggests that sex and social interaction are important factors for food consumption. This study evaluated effects of sex and social interaction on food consumption. Additionally, our proposal is to use Behavioral Catalogue of Feeding Interaction (BCFI). Twenty-four human subjects, both sexes, between 20 and 28 years-old, which were not known between them, were exposed to different familiar and novel foods, evaluating the feeding interaction. Subjects were divided in three groups. First group was formed by man, second by woman; and third group by subjects of both sexes. Data suggest that group 1 and 2 registered similar food consumption in comparison with the group 3 that registered a little consumption. A strong influence of women was registered on men to stimulate its food consumption, phenomenon that was denominated "Eva Effect". We conclude that sex is an important factor in the study of feeding phenomenon.

Palavras-chave : Food consumption; sex; feeding interaction; Eva effect.