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Clements CC, Ascunce K, Nelson CA. In Context: A Developmental Model of Reward Processing, With Implications for Autism and Sensitive Periods. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:1200-1216. [PMID: 36336205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.07.861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Differences in reward processing have been associated with numerous psychiatric disorders, including autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many attempts to understand reward processing characterize differences in clinical populations after disorder onset; however, divergence may begin much earlier. In fact, the typical developmental progression of reward processing in infancy and early childhood is poorly understood. We re-conceptualize classic infant developmental constructs such as preferential looking into a Six-Component Developmental Model of Reward Processing: an infant- and young child-focused framework to guide research and assessment of reward processing across development. METHOD The extant developmental literature including recent textbooks, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses was reviewed to build a conceptual framework. We describe experimental paradigms to assess each developmental component of reward processing longitudinally from infancy. A timeline of each component's emergence was estimated. RESULTS Six components of reward processing were identified-association, discrimination, preference/valuation, effort, anticipation, and response. Selected evidence suggests emergence between birth and 6 months. Application of this model to autism led to a reinterpretation of existing disparate results, and illuminated a path to study the developmental processes underlying a popular hypothesis of autism, the motivation hypothesis. Current evidence further suggests that a sensitive period may exist for the emergence of reward processing. CONCLUSION The proposed framework offers a useful reconceptualization of the extant literature. Future longitudinal work using the suggested experimental paradigms with high-risk populations could elucidate the developmental trajectory of the components and timing of potential sensitive period(s) for each component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin C Clements
- Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Massachusetts.
| | | | - Charles A Nelson
- Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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2
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Carr KA, Black W, Guth C, Shapiro L, Leone LA, Temple JL, Epstein LH. Reinforcing value of food, enriched home environment, and changes in percent overweight in children. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2023; 31:1075-1084. [PMID: 36855013 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The decision to eat is often a choice made in the context of food and non-food alternatives. However, no research, to the authors' knowledge, has assessed the combination of the motivation to eat, as indexed by the relative reinforcing value of food (RRVFOOD ), and the enriched home environment, i.e., access to activities that can serve as alternatives to eating on weight gain. METHODS This study used a cross-sectional design to study how RRVFOOD and the enriched home environment predict percent overweight change over 2 years in 291 children aged 6 to 9 years and of varying socioeconomic status. RESULTS Results showed that RRVFOOD and access to food were positively associated with baseline percent overweight, and an enriched home environment was negatively related to baseline percent overweight. RRVFOOD and an enriched home environment interacted to predict change in percent overweight. Children with a high relative RRVFOOD and a relatively non-enriched environment showed the greatest relative weight gain. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that providing an enriched home environment may reduce the effects of food reinforcement and being motivated to eat on weight gain in childhood, and this represents a novel approach to intervention that can be used to strengthen current behavioral approaches to prevent obesity in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn A Carr
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Whitney Black
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Catherine Guth
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Lilianna Shapiro
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Lucia A Leone
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer L Temple
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Leonard H Epstein
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York, USA
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3
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Fazzino TL, Kong KL. A new paradigm for investigating the etiology of obesity in early childhood: Exposure to added sugars and hyper-palatable foods in infancy and dysregulation of food reinforcement processes. Obes Rev 2023; 24:e13526. [PMID: 36358033 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tera L Fazzino
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA.,Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Kai Ling Kong
- Baby Health Behavior Lab, Division of Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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Kong KL, Eiden RD, Morris KS, Paluch RA, Carr KA, Epstein LH. Reducing relative food reinforcement of infants using a music enrichment program: a randomized, controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2022; 116:1642-1653. [PMID: 36250608 PMCID: PMC9761746 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food reinforcement or one's motivation to eat may be established early in life; it might not be the food reinforcement per se that drives weight gain, but rather the imbalance between food and nonfood reinforcement. OBJECTIVES We implemented a 2-y randomized, controlled trial to assess the effects of a music enrichment program (music, n = 45) compared with an active play date control (control, n = 45) in 9- to 15-mo-old healthy infants who were strongly motivated to eat. METHODS The 12-mo intensive intervention phase included 4 semesters of Music Together® or a play date program (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall), comprised of once per week group meetings, followed by a 12-mo maintenance phase with monthly meetings. Parents were encouraged to listen to the Music Together® program CD or play with the play date group's toy with their infants at home, respectively. We performed a modified intention-to-treat analysis using all randomly assigned, non-excluded subjects for the outcome measures [relative reinforcing value of food (RRVfood), food reinforcement, music reinforcement, and weight-for-length z-score (WLZ)]. RESULTS There were significant differential group changes across time for RRVfood (group × month; P = 0.016; Cohen's f2 = 0.034). The music group had significantly greater RRVfood decreases than the control group from baseline to the end of the intensive intervention phase (music change = -0.211; control change = -0.015; P = 0.002; Cohen's D = 0.379). However, these differences were not maintained during months 12-24 (music change = -0.187; control change = -0.143; P = 0.448; D = 0.087). We observed an overall moderation effect by sex for food reinforcement and WLZ. Boys in the music group had a significant attenuation in food reinforcement and WLZ compared with boys in the control group. CONCLUSIONS This study extends our knowledge in infant eating behavior by providing insight into the role of nonfood alternatives in altering one's motivation to eat. There may be sex differences in altering one's motivation to eat.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02936284.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Ling Kong
- Baby Health Behavior Lab, Division of Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
- Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles and Nutrition, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Rina D Eiden
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Katherine S Morris
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Rocco A Paluch
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Katelyn A Carr
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Leonard H Epstein
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Crandall AK, Epstein LH, Fillo J, Carfley K, Fumerelle E, Temple JL. The Effect of Financial Scarcity on Reinforcer Pathology: A Dyadic Developmental Examination. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9091338. [PMID: 36138648 PMCID: PMC9498192 DOI: 10.3390/children9091338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of experimentally manipulated scarcity on the reinforcing value of food (RRVfood) and delay discounting (DD), which, together, create reinforcer pathology (RP) among parents and offspring. A stratified sample of 106 families (53 parent/child aged 7−10 dyads & 53 parent/adolescent aged 15−17 dyads) from high- and low-income households visited our laboratory for three appointments. Each appointment included an experimental manipulation of financial gains and losses and DD and RRV tasks. The results showed that, regardless of food insecurity or condition, children had greater RP (β = 1.63, p < 0.001) than adolescents and parents. DD was largely unaffected by acute scarcity in any group, but families with food insecurity had greater DD (β = −0.09, p = 0.002) than food-secure families. Food-insecure parents with children responded to financial losses with an increase in their RRVfood (β = −0.03, p = 0.011), while food-secure parents and food-insecure parents of adolescents did not significantly change their responding based on conditions. This study replicates findings that financial losses increase the RRVfood among adults with food insecurity and extends this literature by suggesting that this is strongest for parents of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K. Crandall
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Leonard H. Epstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Jennifer Fillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, The University of South Carolina, 915 Greene St Discovery I, Suite 551, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Kevin Carfley
- Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Eleanor Fumerelle
- Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Temple
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
- Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
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Stein SF, Riley HO, Kaciroti N, Rosenblum KL, Sturza JM, Gearhardt AN, Grogan-Kaylor AC, Lumeng JC, Miller AL. Infant Distress in a Food Delay Task Changes With Development and Predicts Amount Consumed. Front Nutr 2022; 9:786022. [PMID: 35464039 PMCID: PMC9021754 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.786022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Eating behavior regulation emerges during early development and involves general self-regulation (emotional, behavioral), appetite regulation (homeostatic metabolic need) and appetite self-regulation (including both Bottom-Up Food Approach and Bottom-Up Food Avoidance and top-down purposeful self-control of eating). Limited research has investigated developmental trajectories of the regulation of eating behavior before the preschool years. The current study used a novel food delay task to assess infant distress as an early emerging marker of eating behavior regulation constructs across early infancy and examine associations with amount of milk consumed. Method Mother-infant dyads (n = 179) completed the Ability to Delay Gratification for Food in Infants Task (ATDG-FIT) at 2 weeks, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks of age. The ATDG-FIT required infants to wait before being fed while their bottle was present, but not accessible (3-min Pre-Feeding Delay). After this, the infant was fed for 1 min, then the feeding was paused for 30 s (Mid-Feeding Delay). Infant distress was coded during each feeding delay period and the amount of milk consumed was measured. Results The mean proportion of distress during the Pre-Feeding Delay period decreased from 8 to 16 weeks of age (F(2,230) = 15.02, p < 0.001), whereas the mean proportion of distress during the Mid-Feeding Delay increased from 2 to 8 weeks of age (F(2,230) = 27.04, p < 0.001). There was a positive interaction between distress during Mid-Feeding Delay and infant age predicting the amount consumed in the protocol (ß = 0.30, p = 0.022), suggesting that the association between distress during this part of the task and amount consumed strengthens as infants get older. Conclusion The ATDG-FIT may be an effective method to assess emerging eating behavior regulation constructs during early infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara F. Stein
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Sara F. Stein,
| | - Hurley O. Riley
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Niko Kaciroti
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Julie M. Sturza
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ashley N. Gearhardt
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Julie C. Lumeng
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Alison L. Miller
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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7
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Obregón AM, Oyarce K, García-Robles MA, Valladares M, Pettinelli P, Goldfield GS. Association of the dopamine D2 receptor rs1800497 polymorphism with food addiction, food reinforcement, and eating behavior in Chilean adults. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:215-224. [PMID: 33738781 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01136-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The regulation of food intake and body weight involves two interacting systems: (a) The homeostatic system (including biological regulators of hunger and satiety) and (b) the non-homeostatic system, (involving concepts of food reinforcement and food addiction). Studies have established a strong genetic component in eating behavior and obesity. The TaqI A1 polymorphism (rs1800497) has previously been associated with eating behavior, diminished dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) density, higher body mass, and food reinforcement, but relations to food addiction remain unclear. AIM To evaluate the association between the polymorphism rs1800497 with eating behavior, food reinforcement and food addiction in Chilean adults. METHODS This cross-sectional study recruited a convenience sample of 97 obese, 25 overweight and 99 normal-weight adults (18-35 years). Anthropometric measurements were performed by standard procedures. Eating behavior was assessed using the: Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), the Three Factor Eating Behavior Questionnaire and the Food Reinforcement Value Questionnaire (FRVQ). The DRD2 genotype (rs1800497) was determined by taqman assays. RESULTS Twenty-two percentage of the participants met the criteria for food addiction. Food addiction was higher in women than men (26% vs 10.7%) and in obese compared to non-obese (40% vs 6%). There was no relationship between food addiction and DRD2 genotype. However when stratified by sex and nutritional status, obese female carriers of the A1 allele reported greater scores on emotional eating and snack food reinforcement compared to non-carriers. CONCLUSIONS The DRD2 polymorphism is associated with some hedonic aspects of eating behavior, namely food reinforcement and emotional eating but not food addiction, and this association may be moderated by sex and obesity status, with obese women who are carriers of this genetic variant at higher risk. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V: evidence obtained from a cross-sectional descriptive study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Obregón
- Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Ciencias para el Cuidado de la Salud, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, 4080871, Concepción, Chile.
| | - Karina Oyarce
- Escuela de Tecnología Medica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
| | | | - Macarena Valladares
- Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O' Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulina Pettinelli
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gary S Goldfield
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
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8
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Harris HA, Moore AM, Ruggiero CF, Bailey-Davis L, Savage JS. Infant Food Responsiveness in the Context of Temperament and Mothers' Use of Food to Soothe. Front Nutr 2022; 8:781861. [PMID: 35087856 PMCID: PMC8786708 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.781861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Parents' use of food to soothe an infants' non-hunger related distress may impair an infants' development of appetite self-regulation. Parents tend to use food to soothe if their infant has more ‘difficult' temperamental tendencies. However, the role of infant appetite in this association is unclear. This study investigates the moderating effect of infant food responsiveness on cross-sectional and prospective associations between infant temperament and mothers' use of food to soothe. Mothers (n = 200) from low-income households reported their infants' temperament (i.e., surgency, negative affect and regulation) and food responsiveness at age 4 months, and their use of food to soothe at age 4 and 6 months. Temperament × food responsiveness interactions on mothers' use of food to soothe were examined using general linear models, adjusting for covariates. Cross-sectional associations showed that mothers used more food to soothe at 4 months for infants who were lower in negative affect and higher in food responsiveness (negative affect × food responsiveness interaction: p = 0.03). Prospective associations showed that mothers used more food to soothe at 6 months for infants who were lower in regulation and higher in food responsiveness (infant regulation × food responsiveness interaction: p = 0.009). Other interactions were not significant. Infant food responsiveness was consistently associated with mothers' use of food to soothe, independent of some temperamental dimensions. The findings highlight the salience of infant food responsiveness, both independent of and in association with temperament, on mothers' use of food to soothe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A Harris
- Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Amy M Moore
- Department of Human Health and Development, Center for Childhood Obesity Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Cara F Ruggiero
- Department of Human Health and Development, Center for Childhood Obesity Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Lisa Bailey-Davis
- Population Health Sciences, Obesity Institute Geisinger, Danville, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer S Savage
- Department of Human Health and Development, Center for Childhood Obesity Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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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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10
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Epstein LH, Carr KA. Food reinforcement and habituation to food are processes related to initiation and cessation of eating. Physiol Behav 2021; 239:113512. [PMID: 34217735 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
An individual bout of eating involves cues to start eating, as well as cues to terminate eating. One process that determines initiation of eating is food reinforcement. Foods with high reinforcing value are also likely to be consumed in greater quantities. Research suggests both cross-sectional and prospective relationships between food reinforcement and obesity, food reinforcement is positively related to energy intake, and energy intake mediates the relationship between food reinforcement and obesity. A process related to cessation of eating is habituation. Habituation is a general behavioral process that describes a reduction in physiological or affective response to a stimulus, or a reduction in the behavioral responding to obtain a stimulus. Repeated exposure to the same food during a meal can result in habituation to that food and a reduction in consumption. Habituation is also cross-sectionally and prospectively related to body weight, as people who habituate slower consume more in a meal and are more overweight. Research from our laboratory has shown that these two processes independently influence eating, as they can account for almost 60% of the variance in ad libitum intake. In addition, habituation phenotypes show reliable relationships with reinforcing value, such that people who habituate faster also find food less reinforcing. Developing a better understanding of cues to start and stop eating is fundamental to understanding how to modify eating behavior. An overview of research on food reinforcement, habituation and food intake for people with a range of weight status and without eating disorders is provided, and ideas about integrating these two processes that are related to initiation and termination of a bout of eating are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard H Epstein
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo, G56 Farber Hall, 3435 Main Street, Building #26, Buffalo, New York 14214-3000, USA.
| | - Katelyn A Carr
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo, G56 Farber Hall, 3435 Main Street, Building #26, Buffalo, New York 14214-3000, USA.
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Eagleton SG, Temple JL, Keller KL, Marini ME, Savage JS. The Relative Reinforcing Value of Cookies Is Higher Among Head Start Preschoolers With Obesity. Front Psychol 2021; 12:653762. [PMID: 33995214 PMCID: PMC8120894 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.653762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The relative reinforcing value (RRV) of food measures how hard someone will work for a high-energy-dense (HED) food when an alternative reward is concurrently available. Higher RRV for HED food has been linked to obesity, yet this association has not been examined in low-income preschool-age children. Further, the development of individual differences in the RRV of food in early childhood is poorly understood. This cross-sectional study tested the hypothesis that the RRV of HED (cookies) to low-energy-dense (LED; fruit) food would be greater in children with obesity compared to children without obesity in a sample of 130 low-income 3- to 5-year-olds enrolled in Head Start classrooms in Central Pennsylvania. In addition, we examined individual differences in the RRV of food by child characteristics (i.e., age, sex, and reward sensitivity) and food security status. The RRV of food was measured on concurrent progressive-ratio schedules of reinforcement. RRV outcomes included the last schedule reached (breakpoint) for cookies (cookie Pmax) and fruit (fruit Pmax), the breakpoint for cookies in proportion to the total breakpoint for cookies and fruit combined (RRV cookie), and response rates (responses per minute). Parents completed the 18-item food security module to assess household food security status and the Behavioral Activation System scale to assess reward sensitivity. Pearson's correlations and mixed models assessed associations between continuous and discrete child characteristics with RRV outcomes, respectively. Two-way mixed effects interaction models examined age and sex as moderators of the association between RRV and Body Mass Index z-scores (BMIZ). Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Children with obesity (17%) had a greater cookie Pmax [F (1, 121) = 4.95, p = 0.03], higher RRV cookie [F (1, 121) = 4.28, p = 0.04], and responded at a faster rate for cookies [F (1, 121) = 17.27, p < 0.001] compared to children without obesity. Children with higher cookie response rates had higher BMIZ (r = 0.26, p < 0.01); and RRV cookie was positively associated with BMIZ for older children (5-year-olds: t = 2.40, p = 0.02) and boys (t = 2.55, p = 0.01), but not younger children or girls. The RRV of food did not differ by household food security status. Low-income children with obesity showed greater motivation to work for cookies than fruit compared to their peers without obesity. The RRV of HED food may be an important contributor to increased weight status in boys and future research is needed to better understand developmental trajectories of the RRV of food across childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally G Eagleton
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,Center for Childhood Obesity Research, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer L Temple
- Departments of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Kathleen L Keller
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,Department of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Michele E Marini
- Center for Childhood Obesity Research, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer S Savage
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,Center for Childhood Obesity Research, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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12
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Appetite self-regulation declines across childhood while general self-regulation improves: A narrative review of the origins and development of appetite self-regulation. Appetite 2021; 162:105178. [PMID: 33639246 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This narrative review discusses the origins and development of appetite self-regulation (ASR) in childhood (from infancy to age 6 or 7 years). The origins, or foundations, are the biological infrastructure associated with appetite regulation and appetite self-regulation. Homeostatic regulation in infancy is examined and then evidence about developmental change in components of ASR. The main ASR-related components covered are: delay-of-gratification, caloric compensation, eating in the absence of hunger, food responsiveness/hedonics and fussy eating. The research included behavioral measures, parent-reports of appetitive traits and fMRI studies. There were two main trends in the evidence: a decline across childhood in the components of ASR associated with food approach (and therefore an increase in disinhibited eating), and wide individual differences. The decline in ASR contrasts with general self-regulation (GSR) where the evidence is of an improvement across childhood. For many children, bottom-up automatic reactive processes via food reward/hedonics or food avoidance as in fussy eating, appear not to be matched by improvements in top-down regulatory capacities. The prominence of bottom-up processes in ASR could be the main factor in possible differences in developmental paths for GSR and ASR. GSR research is situated in developmental science with its focus on developmental processes, theory and methodology. In contrast, the development of ASR at present does not have a strong developmental tradition to access and there is no unifying model of ASR and its development. We concluded (1) outside of mean-level or normative changes in the components of ASR, individual differences are prominent, and (2) there is a need to formulate models of developmental change in ASR together with appropriate measurement, research designs and data analysis strategies.
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13
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Kong KL, Anzman-Frasca S, Epstein LH, Eiden RD, Paluch RA. Infants with big appetites: The role of a nonfood environment on infant appetitive traits linked to obesity. Am J Clin Nutr 2020; 112:948-955. [PMID: 32652028 PMCID: PMC7762759 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual differences in appetitive traits present in the first few weeks of life. Research has shown that infants with a greater food reinforcement ratio (FRR) have higher obesity risk. To date, limited work has examined the relation between FRR and appetitive traits of infants, and how FRR relates to appetitive traits and obesity development. OBJECTIVES To examine the relation between appetitive traits and food and nonfood reinforcement of infants aged 9-18 mo, and to examine whether food and nonfood reinforcement mediate the relation between appetitive traits and weight-for-length z-score (zWFL). METHOD This secondary data analysis was conducted by combining 4 different cohorts of infants (n = 143) who have complete data on the food/nonfood reinforcement task, Baby Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and anthropometrics and demographics assessments. Three different nonfood reinforcers were used: video (DVD; n = 27), playing with bubbles (Bubbles; n = 67), and music accompanied by instruments (Music; n = 49) for the nonfood portion of the task. For the food portion of the task, the infant's favorite food was used. RESULTS General appetite positively correlated with FRR and zWFL, but negatively correlated with nonfood reinforcement; satiety responsiveness negatively correlated with food reinforcement, FRR, and zWFL. Mediational analysis showed that effects of general appetite on zWFL were mediated by FRR (indirect effect = 0.100, 95% CI: 0.041, 0.187) and nonfood reinforcement (indirect effect = 0.076, 95% CI: 0.025, 0.156). We also observed the mediating effect of FRR on the relation of satiety responsiveness and zWFL (indirect effect = -0.097, 95% CI: -0.204, -0.026). CONCLUSIONS Our work contributes to the mechanistic understanding of the ontogeny of obesity development early in life among individuals who are born with appetitive drive for overconsumption. During early infancy, the nonfood environment may protect against this drive and prevent obesity development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie Anzman-Frasca
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA,Center for Ingestive Behavior Research, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Leonard H Epstein
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA,Center for Ingestive Behavior Research, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Rina D Eiden
- Department of Psychology, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Rocco A Paluch
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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14
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Lumeng JC, Weeks HM, Asta K, Sturza J, Kaciroti NA, Miller AL, Rosenblum K, Gearhardt AN. Sucking behavior in typical and challenging feedings in association with weight gain from birth to 4 Months in full-term infants. Appetite 2020; 153:104745. [PMID: 32439604 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2020.104745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Sucking behavior has been described as an obesity risk marker. Sucking behavior in response to challenge has not been examined as a prospective predictor of infant weight gain. Healthy, full term infants had sucking behavior assessed at ages 2 weeks and/or 2 months via a sucking pressure measurement device in two feeding conditions: during a standard feeding and during a feeding with a more challenging nipple. Weight and length were measured at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 4 months and weight-for-length z-score (WLZ) calculated. Among 45 full term infants, adjusted for age at measurement and time since last feeding, the challenging versus typical feedings differed with regard to amount consumed (54.1g vs. 65.6g, p < .05), maximum sucking pressure (121.3 mmHg vs. 99.2 mmHg, p < .05), mean burst duration (17.5s vs. 28.4s, p < .05), and feeding duration (18.51 min vs. 13.89 min, p < .01). Grams consumed in the challenging, but not typical, feeding, adjusted for age and time since last feeding, predicted rate of change in WLZ from time of measurement to age 4 months (r = 0.46, p = .013 for challenging, r = -0.07, p = .702 for typical). Nipples that are more challenging to suck from change the sucking behavior and intake among full term infants. Infants who consume more when the nipple is more challenging have greater prospective weight gain. This persistent sucking behavior in the face of challenge may reflect that a greater willingness to work for food, a known obesity risk factor, is detectable in early infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Lumeng
- Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Heidi M Weeks
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Katharine Asta
- Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Julie Sturza
- Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Niko A Kaciroti
- Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alison L Miller
- Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Katherine Rosenblum
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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15
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Development of a measure of the relative reinforcing value of food versus parent-child interaction for young children. Appetite 2020; 153:104731. [PMID: 32417301 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2020.104731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The relative reinforcing value (RRV) of food captures individual differences in the motivation to eat and is associated with weight status among infants, children, and adults. Currently, there is no concurrent measure of the RRV of food versus a non-food alternative for 4-to-5-year-old children. The present study aimed to develop and validate a measure of the RRV of food versus time spent interacting with a parent in the context of reading among 4-to-5-year-old children. The first phase of the study involved an online survey. Parents of 4-to-5 year olds (n = 102) reported their children's consumption frequency and liking for thirty-six snack foods. A priori criteria were used to identify snacks that were well-liked and served at least sometimes for use in the subsequent laboratory study. Then, a validation study was conducted in the laboratory to examine the construct validity of the finalized RRV task. Thirty-one parent-child dyads completed a laboratory visit, in which children's RRV of food versus time spent reading with a parent was measured concurrently on a progressive ratio reward schedule. Linear regression was used to assess validity of the task. Children's RRV of food positively and significantly predicted BMI z-scores among children with complete data (B = 0.41, p < 0.05, n = 28). Maximum schedules reached for food also positively and significantly predicted BMI z-scores (B = 0.30, p < 0.05). The relationship between maximum schedules reached for parent-child reading and BMI z-scores was in the expected direction, but this relationship was non-significant. Results support the validity and feasibility of the RRV paradigm used in the present study. Future research could continue to examine the measurement properties of this paradigm, as well as the potential for positive parent-child interactions to serve as a novel alternative to food.
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16
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Carr KA, Epstein LH. Choice is relative: Reinforcing value of food and activity in obesity treatment. AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2020; 75:139-151. [PMID: 32052990 PMCID: PMC7313531 DOI: 10.1037/amp0000521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Persons with obesity find high-energy-dense food and sedentary behaviors highly reinforcing. Diets and exercise programs deprive individuals of many favorite foods and activities, which can counterproductively heighten their value and lead to relapse. Since the value of reinforcers depend on the alternatives available, one approach to reducing food and sedentary activity reinforcement is to build healthy alternative reinforcers. Current behavioral treatment programs for children and adults do not attempt to build alternative reinforcers as substitutes for unhealthy behaviors to reduce the impact of food or activity deprivation on the motivation to eat or be inactive. A goal of the next generation of obesity treatment programs should focus on development of healthy behaviors as reinforcers so that people will be motivated to engage in them. This article provides an overview of relationships among reinforcers, how understanding substitutes and complements can influence eating and activity, and how enriching a person's environment and providing choice architecture can enhance weight control. Ideas for translation of these basic behavioral economic principles to obesity treatment programs are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn A Carr
- Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo
| | - Leonard H Epstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo
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17
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Wong S, Kong KL, Buchholz AC, Haines J. The reinforcing value of food and non-food alternative: Associations with BMI z-score and percent fat mass. Eat Behav 2019; 34:101316. [PMID: 31419769 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2019.101316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence of an association between the relative reinforcing value of food (RRVF; how hard a child is willing to work for a food versus a non-food reinforcer) and weight across many life stages, but few studies have examined this association among preschool age children. This study investigated the association between the RRVF (measured as the food reinforcing ratio (FRR)) and body mass index (BMI) z-score and percent fat mass (%FM), in 3 year-old children. The sample was comprised of 33 children who were 3 years of age (36-47 months). Children selected their favourite food reinforcer (cookie) and non-food (audiobook) reinforcer to be used in the FRR task, which was delivered using a sequential progressive fixed ratio reward schedule. Child height, weight and percent body fat using bioelectrical impedance analysis were assessed by trained research staff. Linear regression analyses showed that FRR was significantly and positively associated with BMI z-scores. FRR was not significantly associated with %FM. Findings from this study support the RRVF as a potential risk factor in the development of childhood obesity. Longitudinal research involving larger sample sizes would strengthen future research exploring associations between RRVF and body composition in preschool age children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Wong
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Human Nutrition, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Kai Ling Kong
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, 3435 Main St., G56M Farber Hall, Buffalo, NY 14214-3000, USA.
| | - Andrea C Buchholz
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Human Nutrition, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Jess Haines
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Human Nutrition, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
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18
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Dharmavaram P, Kong KL, Anzman-Frasca S, Epstein L, Titus AH. Development of a Human Infant Feeding Reinforcement System. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018; 2018:3914-3917. [PMID: 30441216 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2018.8513362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
We present a custom-made device that enables the study of food reinforcement in infants younger than nine months. This device called INFERS (INfant FEeding Reinforcement System) consists of a smart feeding controller and milk delivery components which has been constructed using custom and off-the-shelf components. Testing on three infants to date shows that INFERS functions properly and enables us to collect data on infant feeding activity and correlate this with the amount of effort infants must expend to get the milk.
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19
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Epstein LH, Paluch RA, Carr KA, Temple JL, Bickel WK, MacKillop J. Reinforcing value and hypothetical behavioral economic demand for food and their relation to BMI. Eat Behav 2018; 29:120-127. [PMID: 29656049 PMCID: PMC9664377 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Food is a primary reinforcer, and food reinforcement is related to obesity. The reinforcing value of food can be measured by establishing how hard someone will work to get food on progressive-ratio schedules. An alternative way to measure food reinforcement is a hypothetical purchase task which creates behavioral economic demand curves. This paper studies whether reinforcing value and hypothetical behavioral demand approaches are assessing the same or unique aspects of food reinforcement for low (LED) and high (HED) energy density foods using a combination of analytic approaches in females of varying BMI. Results showed absolute reinforcing value for LED and HED foods and relative reinforcing value were related to demand intensity (r's = 0.20-0.30, p's < 0.01), and demand elasticity (r's = 0.17-0.22, p's < 0.05). Correlations between demographic, BMI and restraint, disinhibition and hunger variables with the two measures of food reinforcement were different. Finally, the two measures provided unique contributions to predicting BMI. Potential reasons for differences between the reinforcing value and hypothetical purchase tasks were actual responding versus hypothetical purchasing, choice of reinforcers versus purchasing of individual foods in the demand task, and the differential role of effort in the two tasks. Examples of how a better understanding of food reinforcement may be useful to prevent or treat obesity are discussed, including engaging in alternative non-food reinforcers as substitutes for food, such as crafts or socializing in a non-food environment, and reducing the value of immediate food reinforcers by episodic future thinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard H. Epstein
- University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, United States,Corresponding author at: Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Farber Hall, Room G56, 3435 Main Street, Building #26, Buffalo, NY 14214-3000, United States. (L. H. Epstein)
| | - Rocco A. Paluch
- University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, United States
| | - Katelyn A. Carr
- University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Temple
- University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, United States
| | | | - James MacKillop
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Canada
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20
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Carr KA, Epstein LH. Influence of sedentary, social, and physical alternatives on food reinforcement. Health Psychol 2017; 37:125-131. [PMID: 29154609 DOI: 10.1037/hea0000563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the potential for nonfood alternative activities to compete with the reinforcing value of food. Participants rated the frequency and pleasantness of engaging in a variety of activities and made hypothetical choices between food and 4 types of alternatives; cognitive-enriching (reading, listening to music), social (attending a party or event), sedentary (watching TV), and physically active (running, biking). METHOD Two-hundred seventy-six adults completed an online survey using a crowdsourcing platform. RESULTS Adults with higher BMI reported engaging in fewer activities within the cognitive-enriching, social, and physically active categories. When examining how well each alternative activity type was able to compete with food, sedentary alternatives were associated with the highest food reinforcement, or were least able to compete with food reinforcers, as compared with cognitive-enriching, social, and physical. Social activities were associated with the lowest food reinforcement, or the best able to compete with food reinforcers. CONCLUSION These results suggest that increasing the frequency and range of nonfood alternative activities may be important to obesity. This study also suggests that the class of social activities may have the biggest impact on reducing food reinforcement, and the class of sedentary may have the smallest effect on food reinforcement. These tools have relevance to clinical interventions that capitalize on increasing access to behaviors that can reduce the motivation to eat in clinical interventions for obesity. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn A Carr
- Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo
| | - Leonard H Epstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo
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21
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Epstein LH, Stein JS, Paluch RA, MacKillop J, Bickel WK. Binary components of food reinforcement: Amplitude and persistence. Appetite 2017; 120:67-74. [PMID: 28847564 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2017.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Demand curves provide an index of how reinforcing a food is. Research examining the latent structure of alcohol and tobacco reinforcement identified two underlying components of reinforcement, amplitude and persistence. No research has assessed latent structure of food reinforcement and how these factors are related to BMI. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Participants were 297 adults from two studies that completed food purchasing tasks to assess the following measures of relative reinforcing efficacy (RRE) of food: intensity (Q0): purchases made when the food was free or of very minimal price, Omax: maximum expenditure (purchases*price), Pmax: price point where maximum expenditure was observed, breakpoint: first price where 0 purchases are made, and demand elasticity (α): quantitative non-linear relationship between purchasing and price. Principal components analysis was used to examine the factor structure of RRE for food across samples and types of food. RESULTS Both studies revealed two factor solutions, with Pmax, Omax, breakpoint and α loading on factor 1 (persistence) and intensity (Q0) loading on factor 2 (amplitude) across both high and low energy dense foods. Persistence reflects an aggregate measure of price sensitivity and amplitude reflects the preferred volume of consumption (how long vs. how much). The two factors accounted for between 91.7 and 95.4% of the variance in food reinforcement. Intensity for high energy dense foods predicted BMI for both studies (r = 0.18 and r = 0.22, p's < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The latent factor structure was similar across two significantly different independent samples and across low and high energy dense snack foods. In addition, the amplitude of the demand curve, but not persistence, was related to BMI. These results suggest specific aspects of food reinforcement that can be targeted to alter food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard H Epstein
- University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, United States.
| | | | - Rocco A Paluch
- University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, United States
| | - James MacKillop
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Canada
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22
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Kong KL, Eiden RD, Anzman-Frasca S, Stier CL, Paluch RA, Mendez J, Slominski E, Gengatharan G, Epstein LH. Repeatability of the infant food reinforcement paradigm: Implications of individual and developmental differences. Appetite 2017; 120:123-129. [PMID: 28807618 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2017.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The relative reinforcing value of food versus engagement in other behaviors may be related to the development of obesity, and interventions to reduce FRR may prevent the development of obesity. Our laboratory recently developed a paradigm to measure the reinforcing value of food versus an alternative behavior (i.e., playing with bubbles) in infants using a computerized laboratory task, during which infants press a button to earn reinforcers following a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the short-term (within 2 weeks) repeatability of this measure, specifically the outcome of infant food reinforcing ratio (FRR), or how hard infants will work for food relative to the alternative. The secondary aim was to examine whether infant age and temperament dimensions related to novelty responsiveness (high intensity pleasure and approach) moderated the repeatability of FRR. Thirty-seven infants aged 9-18 months completed this study. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no differences between time 1 and time 2 in responding for food (F = 0.463, p = 0.501), bubbles (F = 1.793, p = 0.189), or overall FRR (F = 0.797, p = 0.378). Regression models showed the association between BUB Pmax at time 1 and time 2 were moderated by infant age (p = 0.04), with greater repeatability in older infants. Linear regression models also demonstrated that the infant temperamental dimension of high intensity pleasure significantly predicted BUB Pmax at time 1 (β = 2.89, p = 0.01), but not at time 2. Overall, our findings support the repeatability of this measure for food portion of the reinforcement task, but demonstrated that the measure of non-food portion of the task required modification, in particular among children younger than 13 months old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Ling Kong
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14216, United States.
| | - Rina D Eiden
- Research Institute on Addictions, State University of New York at Buffalo, NY 14216, United States
| | - Stephanie Anzman-Frasca
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14216, United States
| | - Corrin L Stier
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14216, United States
| | - Rocco A Paluch
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14216, United States
| | - Jessica Mendez
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14216, United States
| | - Emily Slominski
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14216, United States
| | - Gowthami Gengatharan
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14216, United States
| | - Leonard H Epstein
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14216, United States
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Stojek MMK, MacKillop J. Relative reinforcing value of food and delayed reward discounting in obesity and disordered eating: A systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2017; 55:1-11. [PMID: 28478269 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the food choice decision-making may help identify those at higher risk for excess weight gain and dysregulated eating patterns. This paper systematically reviews the literature related to eating behavior and behavioral economic constructs of relative reinforcing value of food (RRVfood) and delayed reward discounting (DRD). RRVfood characterizes how valuable energy-dense food is to the individual, and DRD characterizes preferences for smaller immediate rewards over larger future rewards, an index of impulsivity. Literature search on PubMed was conducted using combination of terms that involve behavioral economics and dysregulated eating in youth and adults. Forty-seven articles were reviewed. There is consistent evidence that obese youth and adults exhibit higher RRVfood. There is a need for more research on the role of RRVfood in eating disorders, as an insufficient number of studies exist to draw meaningful conclusions. There is accumulating evidence that obese individuals have higher DRD but the study of moderators of this relationship is crucial. Only a small number of studies have been conducted on DRD and binge eating, and no clear conclusions can be made currently. Approximately half of existing studies suggest lower DRD in individuals with anorexia nervosa. Research implications and treatment application are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika M K Stojek
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA; Section on Growth and Obesity, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - James MacKillop
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Observed infant food cue responsivity: Associations with maternal report of infant eating behavior, breastfeeding, and infant weight gain. Appetite 2017; 112:219-226. [PMID: 28174037 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Infant obesity and the rate of weight gain during infancy are significant public health concerns, but few studies have examined eating behaviors in infancy. Food cue responsivity has been described as a key contributor to obesity risk in school age children and adults, but has been rarely examined during infancy. The purpose of the current study was to test among 30 infants aged 6-12 months the hypotheses that infants would show greater interest in food versus non-food stimuli, and that greater birth weight, greater rate of weight gain during infancy, greater mother-reported food responsiveness, being formula versus breastmilk fed, and higher maternal body mass index, would each be associated with greater interest in the food versus non-food stimulus. Results showed that overall infants showed a preference for the food versus non-food stimulus. Preference for the food versus non-food stimulus was predicted by greater infant rate of weight gain since birth, greater maternal-reported infant food responsiveness, and having been exclusively formula-fed, but not by any other factor tested. Results are discussed with regard to theoretical implications for the study of infant obesity and applied prevention implications.
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McCullough MB, Guilkey H, Stark L. Cookie or fruit? Relative reinforcing value of snack foods among preschoolers with overweight/obesity compared to healthy weight. Appetite 2017; 111:187-194. [PMID: 28077308 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The reinforcing value of food is an important determinant of food intake. Research has yet to examine the relative reinforcing value (RRV) of snack foods in young children with overweight and obesity (OW/OB). The current study compared the RRV of high-energy dense foods (cookies) to low-energy dense foods (fruits) between preschoolers with OW/OB and healthy weight (HW). RRV of cookies and fruits in preschoolers with OW/OB (n = 30; Mage = 4.4 ± 0.84; 60% male) and HW (n = 30; Mage = 4.5 ± 0.85; 70% male) was assessed with a developmentally-tailored computer program which used a progressive fixed ratio reward schedule. The results showed that the RRV of cookies was significantly higher for preschoolers with OW/OB compared to HW while the RRV of fruits was significantly higher for preschoolers with HW compared to OW/OB. These results suggest that cookies are more reinforcing for preschoolers with OW/OB and less reinforcing for preschoolers with HW. Finding ways to reduce the reinforcing value of high-energy dense snack foods and identify alternatives that are as reinforcing for preschoolers is a challenge for weight control treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Beth McCullough
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, RI 02909, USA.
| | - Hayley Guilkey
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, Burnet Avenue MLC 7039, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Lori Stark
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, Burnet Avenue MLC 7039, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Kong KL, Anzman-Frasca S, Feda DM, Eiden RD, Sharma NN, Stier CL, Epstein LH. Infant Temperament Is Associated with Relative Food Reinforcement. Child Obes 2016; 12:411-417. [PMID: 27447680 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2016.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Food reinforcement refers to how hard someone is motivated to work to gain access to food. Infant temperament is defined as behavioral styles, or constitutionally based individual differences in reactive and regulatory aspects of behavior. Identifying correlates of food reinforcement, such as infant temperament, may help identify infants at risk for future negative health consequences (e.g., overweight or obesity) of high food reinforcement. METHODS This study tested aspects of parent-reported negative reactivity and regulation and their associations with relative food reinforcement in a cross-sectional sample of 105 9- to 18-month-old infants. Hierarchical linear regression models were then used to predict infant food reinforcement for the temperament dimensions that were significantly related to it. RESULTS Two temperament dimensions, cuddliness (regulatory aspect) (B = -0.050, ΔR2 = 0.074, p = 0.005) and rate of recovery from distress and arousal (reactive aspect) (B = -0.040, ΔR2 = 0.045, p = 0.031), were inversely associated with relative food reinforcement. CONCLUSION Clarifying the nature of relationships between these two behavioral predictors, infant temperament and relative food reinforcement, and early obesity can elucidate the role of individual differences in early obesity risk and can further inform targets for early behavioral obesity preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Ling Kong
- 1 Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY
| | - Stephanie Anzman-Frasca
- 1 Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY
| | - Denise M Feda
- 1 Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY
| | - Rina D Eiden
- 2 Research Institute on Addictions, State University of New York at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY
| | - Neha N Sharma
- 1 Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY
| | - Corrin L Stier
- 1 Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY
| | - Leonard H Epstein
- 1 Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY
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Kong KL, Epstein LH. Food reinforcement during infancy. Prev Med 2016; 92:100-105. [PMID: 27373207 PMCID: PMC5361189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The motivation to eat, as operationalized by measuring how hard someone will work for food, is cross-sectionally and prospectively related to obesity. Persons high in food reinforcement consume more calories, and energy intake mediates the relationship between food reinforcement and obesity. Research has shown avid sucking for milk in early infancy predicts later adiposity, and the relationship between food reinforcement and excess body weight has been observed in infants as young as 9months of age. New methodological developments in studying food reinforcement in infants and young children provide the first opportunity to study the origin of food reinforcement. This review seeks to provide background on the measurement of food reinforcement, and to present, for the first time, prenatal and postnatal predictors of infant food reinforcement. Lastly, potential mechanisms for an increasing trajectory of food reinforcement throughout development are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Ling Kong
- Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14214-3000, United States.
| | - Leonard H Epstein
- Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14214-3000, United States.
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Temple JL. Behavioral sensitization of the reinforcing value of food: What food and drugs have in common. Prev Med 2016; 92:90-99. [PMID: 27346758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sensitization is a basic property of the nervous system whereby repeated exposure to a stimulus results in an increase in responding to that stimulus. This increase in responding contributes to difficulty with treatment of drug abuse, as stimuli associated with substance use become signals or triggers for drug craving and relapse. Our work over the past decade has applied the theoretical framework of incentive sensitization to overeating. We have shown, in several studies, that lean adults do not commonly demonstrate behavioral sensitization after repeated exposure to snack food, but a subset of obese adults reliably does. This review will discuss this change in behavioral response to repeated consumption of snack food in obese individuals and apply the theoretical framework of incentive sensitization to drugs of abuse to high fat/high sugar snack foods. We will also show data that suggest that behavioral sensitization to repeated administration of snack food is predictive of weight gain, which may enhance its utility as a diagnostic tool for identifying at-risk individuals for obesity. Finally, we will discuss the future directions of this line of research, including studying the phenomenon in children and adolescents and determining if similar principles can be used to increase motivation to eat healthier food. A combination of reductions in unhealthy food intake and increases and healthy food intake is necessary to reduce obesity rates and improve health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Temple
- Departments of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States.
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Abstract
Behavioral economics (BE) suggests that food and activity choices are governed by costs, available alternatives, and reinforcement. This article reviews basic, translational, and intervention research using a BE framework with overweight or obese children up to age 18. We address BE concepts and methods, and discuss developmental issues, the continuum of BE intervention approaches, findings of studies focused on increasing the cost of unwanted behaviors (ie, energy-dense food intake and sedentary behavior) and decreasing the cost of desired behaviors (ie, healthy food intake and PA), and our team's recent basic behavioral studies using BE approaches with minority adolescents.
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30
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Czajkowski SM. National Institutes of Health Update: Translating Basic Behavioral Science into New Pediatric Obesity Interventions. Pediatr Clin North Am 2016; 63:389-99. [PMID: 27261541 PMCID: PMC4894534 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric obesity increases the risk of later-life obesity and chronic diseases. Basic research to better understand factors associated with excessive weight gain in early life and studies translating research findings into preventive and therapeutic strategies are essential to our ability to better prevent and treat childhood obesity. This overview describes several National Institutes of Health efforts designed to stimulate basic and translational research in childhood obesity prevention and treatment. These examples demonstrate the value of research in early phase translational pediatric obesity research and highlight some promising directions for this important area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Czajkowski
- Health Behaviors Research Branch, Behavioral Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 3E108, Rockville, MD 20892, USA.
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31
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Kong KL, Eiden RD, Feda DM, Stier CL, Fletcher KD, Woodworth EM, Paluch RA, Epstein LH. Reducing relative food reinforcement in infants by an enriched music experience. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2016; 24:917-23. [PMID: 27028283 PMCID: PMC5361142 DOI: 10.1002/oby.21427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The reinforcing value of food may be established early in life. Research shows that infant weight status is related to the relative reinforcing value of food versus non-food alternatives (food reinforcing ratio, FRR). The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effects of a 6-week music enhancement program (Music Together®, n = 14) versus an active play date control group (n = 13) on the FRR in 9- to 16-month-old infants who were high in relative food reinforcement. METHODS Participating parents and infants attended six weekly 45-min group classes. Parents in the music group and the play date group were encouraged to listen to the Music Together program CD or play with the play date group's toy with their infants at home, respectively. RESULTS Intent-to-treat analysis showed a decrease in FRR for infants in the music group (mean ± SD: -0.13 ± 0.13) in comparison to a slight increase in the control group (0.04 ± 0.11) (F[1, 24] = 11.86, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS These findings provide evidence that relative reinforcing value of food can be reduced by promoting alternative reinforcers at an early age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Ling Kong
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Rina D. Eiden
- Research Institute on Addictions, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Denise M. Feda
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Corrin L. Stier
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Kelly D. Fletcher
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Woodworth
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Rocco A. Paluch
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Leonard H. Epstein
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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32
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Faith MS, Pietrobelli A. Babies with big appetites: do genes influence infant food reward? Am J Clin Nutr 2015; 101:421-2. [PMID: 25733623 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.114.106211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Myles S Faith
- From the Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC (MSF); the Pediatric Unit, Verona University Medical School, Verona, Italy (AP); and Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA (AP).
| | - Angelo Pietrobelli
- From the Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC (MSF); the Pediatric Unit, Verona University Medical School, Verona, Italy (AP); and Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA (AP)
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