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Kennedy BL, Camara AM, Tran DMD. You eye what you eat: BMI, consumption patterns, and dieting status predict temporal attentional bias to food-associated images. Appetite 2024; 192:107095. [PMID: 37890529 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
People know that overconsumption of high-fat high-sugar (HFHS) foods have negative consequences for physical and cognitive wellbeing but continue to consume these foods in excess, leading to recent proposals to model obesity as an addiction disorder. The current experiment tested, in a large undergraduate sample (N = 306), the hypothesis that obesity and overconsumption is linked with an oversensitivity to rewards that drives attentional biases towards foods and food-associated cues. Using a modified emotion-induced blindness task with food-related distractors, we examined the extent to which attentional biases to images of HFHS foods were accounted for by BMI, HFHS food intake, self-reported hunger, time since last meal, diet status, food preferences, and attentional control. We also examined whether the same individual differences predicted attentional priority to cues that have a learned association with HFHS foods (i.e., images of food logos). Contrary to our predictions, higher BMI predicted less attentional priority for images of food and food logos. At the same time, increased consumption of HFHS foods predicted increased attentional priority for food images, whereas dieting predicted increased attentional priority for food logo images. Our results suggest that different people may preferentially attend to food versus food logo imagery based on their relationships with food. More broadly, our results support the theoretical perspective that attentional biases to food-associated stimuli can be affected by various competing, state-related factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana L Kennedy
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Andrew M Camara
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Dominic M D Tran
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
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2
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Neal C, Pepper GV, Allen C, Nettle D. No effect of hunger on attentional capture by food cues: Two replication studies. Appetite 2023; 191:107065. [PMID: 37774843 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Food cues potently capture human attention, and it has been suggested that hunger increases their propensity to do so. However, the evidence for such hunger-related attentional biases is weak. We focus on one recent study that did show significantly greater attentional capture by food cues when participants were hungry, using an Emotional Blink of Attention (EBA) task [Piech, Pastorino, & Zald, 2010. Appetite, 54, 579-582]. We conducted online (N = 29) and in-person (N = 28) replications of this study with British participants and a Bayesian analytical approach. For the EBA task, participants tried to identify a rotated target image in a Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP). Targets were preceded by "neutral", "romantic", or "food" distractor images. Participants completed the task twice, 6-11 days apart, once hungry (overnight plus 6h fast) and once sated (after a self-selected lunch in the preceding 1h). We predicted that food images would create a greater attentional blink when participants were hungry than when they were sated, but romantic and neutral images would not. We found no evidence that hunger increased attentional capture by food cues, despite our experiments passing manipulation and quality assurance checks. Our sample and stimuli differed from the study we were replicating in several ways, but we were unable to identify any specific factor responsible for the difference in results. The original finding may not be generalisable. The EBA is more sensitive to the physical distinctiveness of distractors from filler and target images than their emotional valence, undermining the sensitivity of the EBA task for picking up subtle changes in motivational state. Moreover, hunger-related attentional bias shifts may not be substantial over the intensities and durations of hunger typically induced in laboratory experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Neal
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Gillian V Pepper
- Psychology Department, Northumbria University at Newcastle, Newcastle, UK
| | | | - Daniel Nettle
- Institut Jean Nicod, Département D'études Cognitives, École Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, EHESS, CNRS, Paris, France; Department of Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing, Northumbria University at Newcastle, Newcastle, UK.
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3
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Dakin C, Beaulieu K, Hopkins M, Gibbons C, Finlayson G, Stubbs RJ. Do eating behavior traits predict energy intake and body mass index? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev 2023; 24:e13515. [PMID: 36305739 PMCID: PMC10078190 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
At present, it is unclear whether eating behavior traits (EBT) predict objectively measured short-term energy intake (EI) and longer-term energy balance as estimated by body mass index (BMI). This systematic review examined the impact of EBT on BMI and laboratory-based measures of EI in adults ( ≥ 18 years) in any BMI category, excluding self-report measures of EI. Articles were searched up until 28th October 2021 using MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Web of Science. Sixteen EBT were identified and the association between 10 EBT, EI and BMI were assessed using a random-effects meta-analysis. Other EBT outcomes were synthesized qualitatively. Risk of bias was assessed with the mixed methods appraisal tool. A total of 83 studies were included (mean BMI = 25.20 kg/m2 , mean age = 27 years and mean sample size = 70). Study quality was rated moderately high overall, with some concerns in sampling strategy and statistical analyses. Susceptibility to hunger (n = 6) and binge eating (n = 7) were the strongest predictors of EI. Disinhibition (n = 8) was the strongest predictor of BMI. Overall, EBT may be useful as phenotypic markers of susceptibility to overconsume or develop obesity (PROSPERO: CRD42021288694).
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Dakin
- Appetite Control and Energy Balance Research Group (ACEB), School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Kristine Beaulieu
- Appetite Control and Energy Balance Research Group (ACEB), School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Mark Hopkins
- School of Food Science & Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Catherine Gibbons
- Appetite Control and Energy Balance Research Group (ACEB), School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Graham Finlayson
- Appetite Control and Energy Balance Research Group (ACEB), School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - R James Stubbs
- Appetite Control and Energy Balance Research Group (ACEB), School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Hilbert A, Witte V, Meule A, Braehler E, Kliem S. Development of the Hedonic Overeating–Questionnaire (HEDO–Q). Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14091865. [PMID: 35565829 PMCID: PMC9100100 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Addictive-like eating is prevalent, but a clear conceptualization and operationalization outside of an addiction framework is lacking. By adopting a biopsychological framework of food reward, this study sought to develop and evaluate a brief self-report questionnaire for the trait assessment of hedonic overeating and dyscontrol. Items in the Hedonic Overeating–Questionnaire (HEDO–Q) were constructed following a rational approach and psychometrically evaluated in a large random sample from the German population (N = 2531). A confirmatory factor analysis supported the unidimensional nature of the six-item HEDO–Q with the three postulated components of wanting, liking, and dyscontrol. Psychometric properties were favorable with good corrected item-total correlations, acceptable item difficulty and homogeneity, and high internal consistency. Population norms were provided. The HEDO–Q revealed strict measurement invariance for sex and partial invariance for age and weight status. Discriminant validity was demonstrated in distinguishing participants with versus without eating disturbances or obesity. Associations with the established measures of eating disorder and general psychopathology supported the convergent and divergent validity of the HEDO–Q. This first evaluation indicates good psychometric properties of the HEDO–Q in the general population. Future validation work is warranted on the HEDO–Q’s stability, sensitivity to change, and predictive and construct validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Hilbert
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center Adiposity Diseases, Behavioral Medicine Research Unit, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| | - Veronica Witte
- Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Adrian Meule
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany;
- Schoen Clinic Roseneck, 83209 Prien am Chiemsee, Germany
| | - Elmar Braehler
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center Adiposity Diseases, Behavioral Medicine Research Unit, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Soeren Kliem
- Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule, University of Applied Sciences, 07745 Jena, Germany;
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Toh JY, Quah PL, Wong CH, Lun Yuan W, Aris IM, McCrickerd K, Godfrey KM, Chong YS, Shek LP, Tan KH, Yap F, Meaney MJ, Forde CG, Lee YS, Broekman BFP, Chong MFF. Evaluation of a child food reward task and its association with maternal feeding practices. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254773. [PMID: 34288967 PMCID: PMC8294516 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Food reward is defined as the momentary value of a food to the individual at the time of ingestion and is characterised by two psychological processes-"liking" and "wanting". We aimed to validate an age-appropriate food reward task to quantify implicit wanting of children from the GUSTO cohort (n = 430). At age 5 years, child appetitive traits and maternal feeding practices were reported by mothers via questionnaires. At age 6, a write-for-food task based on the child's preference for food or toy rewards was undertaken in laboratory conditions. Child BMI and skinfold measurements were taken at age 7. Convergent validity of the food reward task was assessed by associating with child appetitive traits, where enjoyment of food/food responsiveness (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.15) and emotional overeating (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.48) were positively associated with high food reward in children. Criterion validity was tested by associating with child BMI, however no significant relationships were observed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with maternal feeding practices revealed that children whose mother tend to restrict unhealthy food (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.82) and girls whose mothers taught them about nutrition (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.19, 3.67) were more likely to have high food reward. No further significant associations were observed between food reward, other appetitive traits and feeding practices. Despite the lack of association with child weight status, this study demonstrated the value of the write-for-food task to assess food reward in children and presented sex-specific associations with maternal feeding practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ying Toh
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Phaik Ling Quah
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chun Hong Wong
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wen Lun Yuan
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Izzuddin M. Aris
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Keri McCrickerd
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Keith M. Godfrey
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit and National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital, Southampton National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Yap-Seng Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lynette P. Shek
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Divisions of Paediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kok Hian Tan
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fabian Yap
- Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Departments of Paediatrics, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael J. Meaney
- Integrative Neurosciences, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science and Technology, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ciarán G. Forde
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yung Seng Lee
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Birit F. P. Broekman
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Psychiatry, OLVG and AmsterdamUMC, VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mary F. F. Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail:
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Nansel TR, Lipsky LM, Burger K, Faith M, Nicholson W, Stuebe A, Liu A, Siega-Riz AM. Reward-related eating, self-regulation, and weight change in pregnancy and postpartum: the Pregnancy Eating Attributes Study (PEAS). Int J Obes (Lond) 2020; 44:2444-2454. [PMID: 32958906 PMCID: PMC8205306 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-020-00685-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background/Objectives. Reward-related eating is hypothesized to underlie risk for weight gain in obesogenic environments, but its role is unknown during pregnancy and postpartum when weight change is normative, but excess weight gain and weight retention are common. This study examined associations of self-reported reward-related eating, self-regulation, and the home food environment with excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and postpartum weight change. Subjects/Methods. Participants in the Pregnancy Eating Attributes Study observational cohort were enrolled at ≤12 weeks pregnancy and followed through one-year postpartum (458 recruited; 367 retained through delivery). Participants completed four measures of reward-related eating – Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale, Power of Food Scale, Multiple Choice Procedure, and a Reinforcing Value of Food Questionnaire; two measures of self-regulation – Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and Delay of Gratification Inventory; and a Home Food Inventory. Measured weight and skinfolds were obtained. Multinomial logistic and multiple linear regression analyses estimated associations of reward-related eating, self-regulation, and home food environment with excessive GWG, gestational fat gain, postpartum weight change, and percent of GWG retained. Results. Excessive GWG was associated with food reinforcement intensity, but not with any other measure of reward-related eating, self-regulation, or home food environment. Greater gestational fat gain was associated only with higher Multiple Choice Procedure. Postpartum weight change and percent of GWG retained were associated with greater Delay of Gratification and obesogenic home food environment, but not with any measure of reward-related eating or with impulsivity. Conclusions. Findings do not support the hypothesis that self-reported reward-related eating is associated with weight outcomes in pregnancy and postpartum but indicate a relation of Delay of Gratification with postpartum weight retention. Further research using both surveys and objective measures of reward-related eating is needed to advance our understanding of the relation of reward-related eating with weight changes during this critical period of a woman’s life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonja R Nansel
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6710B Rockledge Dr., MSC 7004, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Leah M Lipsky
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6710B Rockledge Dr., MSC 7004, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kyle Burger
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 2204 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB#, 7461, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Myles Faith
- Department of Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology, Graduate School of Education, 420 Baldy Hall, University at Buffalo-SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Wanda Nicholson
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 3027 Old Clinic Building, CB, 7570, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alison Stuebe
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 3010 Old Clinic Building, CB, 7516, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Aiyi Liu
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6710B Rockledge Dr., MSC 7004, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anna Maria Siega-Riz
- Departments of Nutrition and Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 109 Arnold House, 715 Pleasant St., Amherst, MA, USA
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Duerlund M, Andersen BV, Wang K, Chan RCK, Byrne DV. Post-Ingestive Sensations Driving Post-Ingestive Food Pleasure: A Cross-Cultural Consumer Study Comparing Denmark and China. Foods 2020; 9:foods9050617. [PMID: 32403390 PMCID: PMC7278831 DOI: 10.3390/foods9050617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Culture is one of the main factors that influence food assessment. This cross-cultural research aimed to compare Chinese and Danish consumers in their post-ingestive drivers of Post-Ingestive Food Pleasure (PIFP). We define PIFP as a “subjective conscious sensation of pleasure and joy experienced after eating”. We conducted two in-country consumer studies in Denmark (n = 48) and in China (n = 53), measuring post-ingestive sensations and PIFP using visual analogue scale, for three hours following consumption of a breakfast meal. Key results revealed perceived Satisfaction, Mental, Overall and Physical wellbeing to be highly influential on PIFP in both countries. Moreover, Danish consumers perceived appetite-related sensations such as Satiety, Hunger, Desire-to-eat and In-need-of-food to be influential on PIFP, which was not the case in China. In China, more vitality-related sensations such as Energized, Relaxation and Concentration were found to be drivers of PIFP. These results suggest similarities but also distinct subtleties in the cultural constructs of PIFP in Denmark and in China. Focusing on Food Pleasure as a post-ingestive measure provides valuable output, deeper insights into what drives Food Pleasure, and, importantly, takes us beyond the processes only active during the actual eating event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Duerlund
- Food Quality Perception and Society, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; (B.V.A.); (D.V.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-871-560-00
| | - Barbara Vad Andersen
- Food Quality Perception and Society, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; (B.V.A.); (D.V.B.)
| | - Kui Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; (K.W.); (R.C.K.C.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Raymond C. K. Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; (K.W.); (R.C.K.C.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Derek Victor Byrne
- Food Quality Perception and Society, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; (B.V.A.); (D.V.B.)
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Attuquayefio T, Parish S, Rogers PJ, Brunstrom JM. No evidence of flavour-nutrient learning in a two-week 'home exposure' study in humans. Appetite 2020; 147:104536. [PMID: 31765687 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2019.104536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Flavour-nutrient learning is robust in animals but remains elusive in humans. Recent evidence suggests flavour-nutrient learning may be more likely to occur with beverages that contain relatively few calories (compared to no calories), while others show that learned associations can influence satiation, without an effect on preference. The objective of this research was to determine whether acquired liking for a caloric drink could be observed in a 'home learning' context over 2 weeks, and whether it is impacted by viscosity. In combination, we also explored changes in learning relating to fullness and expected satiety. In a double-blind study, participants (N = 83; BMI = 23.3 kg/m2) were randomly allocated to one of four groups differing in either calories (0 kcal vs. 112.5 kcal) or viscosity (low vs. high) and consumed a novel-flavoured drink over 15 days. Measures of flavour (10 ml sample) and beverage liking, grip force (a measure of beverage reward value), fullness, and expected satiety were taken at the start and the end of the study. While the high-viscous beverages were less liked (M = 40.3 mm, SD = 24.7) than the low viscous beverages (M = 64.4 mm, SD = 15.3; p = .022), there was no evidence that repeated exposure to a calorie-containing beverage impacted subsequent liking for the flavour (p = .115) or for the beverage (p = .448), grip force (ps > .26), fullness, and expected satiety (ps > .12). Accordingly, we conclude that we found no evidence of flavour-nutrient learning and flavour-satiety learning. This null finding accords with previous observations indicating that humans do not acquire flavour-nutrient associations as readily as some non-human animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuki Attuquayefio
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
| | - Suzy Parish
- Nutrition and Behaviour Unit, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Rd, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK
| | - Peter J Rogers
- Nutrition and Behaviour Unit, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Rd, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK
| | - Jeffrey M Brunstrom
- Nutrition and Behaviour Unit, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Rd, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK
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