APA Dictionary of Psychology

a set of symptoms caused by induced lesions in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus in the brain of an experimental animal (e.g., rat). The syndrome consists of two stages. The first (or dynamic) stage is characterized by hyperphagia (overeating) and subsequent weight gain, resulting in obesity. The second (or static) stage includes stabilization of body weight, resistance to food-getting behavior, and finickiness, such that the animal is willing to eat only easily obtainable and palatable foods. Also called hypothalamic hyperphagia. Compare lateral hypothalamic syndrome.