Vision and eating behavior in obese subjects

OBJECTIVE: Vision is one of a number of factors influencing the amount of food consumed during a meal. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of vision on the microstructure of the eating behavior of obese subjects. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Eighteen obese subjects with a body mass index (mean +/- SD) of 39.1 +/- 6.3 kg/m(2) twice consumed a standardized test meal in excess, once with and once without a blindfold. The microstructure of the eating behavior was registered by VIKTOR, a computerized eating monitor. Subjective motivation to eat (i.e., desire to eat, hunger, satiety, and prospective consumption) was rated by visual analogue scales (VASs) before, immediately after, and then hourly up to 3 hours after the test meals. RESULTS: The obese subjects ate 24% less food when blindfolded (359 +/- 194 g vs. 472 +/- 179 g; p < 0.01). Despite a smaller amount of food consumed when blindfolded, there were no significant differences with or without the blindfold for any of the VASs measuring subjective motivation to eat after test meals. DISCUSSION: The importance of vision in regulating our eating behavior was demonstrated in this study. The obese subjects ate 24% less food blindfolded without feeling less full. Eating blindfolded could be tested as a didactic tool to make obese subjects aware of what factors affect the termination of eating.     

Psychosocial variables, eating behavior, depression, and binge eating in morbidly obese subjects

OBJECTIVES: Binge eating disorder (BED) is a frequent and significant psychiatric comorbidity among patients seeking treatment for obesity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether morbidly obese subjects with BED differ from those without BED (NBED) in terms of eating behavior, social/environmental variables, and depression. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Out of 110 morbidly obese (BMI > or = 40 kg/m2) subjects, 88 could be reliably classified as BED (19) or NBED (69). These subjects (age 42.0+/-13.4 years, BMI 47.0+/-5.7 kg/m2) were examined by a semi-structured interview and by validated questionnaires to assess depression and eating behavior. RESULTS: Subjects with BED showed higher scores of disinhibited eating (12.3+/-2.7 vs. 9.1+/-3.6, p<0.05), were more likely to attribute obesity to their eating habits (chi2=8.4, p<0.05), and rated their social environment regarding relationships as less supportive and cohesive (chi2=10.6, p=0.001). In addition, patients with BED experienced an earlier onset of obesity (chi2=6.3, p<0.05). No relationship, however, was found between binge eating disorder and depression. DISCUSSION: Morbidly obese patients with BED exhibit typical psychological features when compared to those without BED. Their recognition by a structured psychological evaluation in conjunction with questionnaires might be necessary to develop appropriate therapeutic strategies to facilitate weight loss.     

Parental influences on eating behavior in obese and nonobese preadolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To determine parental influences on obesity, the eating behavior of 80 obese and normal weight children (aged 8-12 years) was investigated in the laboratory. METHOD: A controlled repeated measures design was used. The mother was either present or absent while the child was eating in the laboratory. The eating style was measured by recording cumulative eating curves with a universal eating monitor, using yoghurt as a standardized experimental meal. RESULTS: The eating behavior of obese children differed significantly from normal weight children only when the mother was present in the laboratory. Overweight children ate faster with larger bites and showed an acceleration of their eating rate toward the end of the meal. DISCUSSION: Such an eating style can be hypothesized to explain an increased calorie intake in obese children, promoting a positive energy balance in the long term. The data support a learning model of obesity in childhood, which also has implications for family treatment.     

Personality traits and eating behavior in the obese: poor self-control in emotional and external eating but personality assets in restrained eating

Personality traits can give a fuller understanding for eating behaviors in obesity. The objective was to describe eating behavior (Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire) in terms of the Big Five personality traits (NEO Personality Inventory-Revised) in obesity patients (n=442). Emotional eating was strongly positively associated to Neuroticism, in particular impulsiveness and depression, and further linked to lower Conscientiousness mainly seen in lower self-discipline, and lower Extraversion. External eating was likewise mainly associated to the facets impulsiveness and lower self-discipline. Restrained eating was on the other hand related to higher Conscientiousness, Extraversion and Openness, and lower Neuroticism. These results imply that poor self-control seen in impulsiveness and lower self-discipline was most important for eating due to negative emotions as well as in response to external food stimuli, suggesting that the inhibition of eating and difficulties to govern ones behavior are major aspects of these eating behaviors. Attempts to control food intake and body weight seen in restrained eating were associated with more character strengths and ambitions, and also a more outgoing personality style with more stable emotions.     

The effect of eating behavior on being overweight or obese during preadolescence

Objectives

Being overweight or obese is central to metabolic syndrome, and these characteristics constitute dominant risk factors for chronic diseases. Although behavioral factors, including eating habits and sedentary lifestyles, are considered to be determinants of obesity, the specific childhood factors that contribute to this condition have not been clearly defined.

Methods

The subjects consisted of 261 children aged 7-9 years who were recruited from an elementary school during October 2003. Information was obtained from their parents using a questionnaire focused on eating behaviors and lifestyle factors, additional data were also collected via anthropometric measurements and biochemical examinations, including blood tests.

Results

A total of 48 (18.4%) of the 261 children were overweight, and 34 (70.8%) had at least one other component of metabolic syndrome. Eating behaviors emerged as significant lifestyle-related risk factors for being overweight or obese. Those who engaged in overeating more than twice per week had three times the risk of being overweight (odds ratio [OR], 3.10, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39 to 6.92), and those who ate rapidly had three times the risk of being overweight (OR, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.68 to 6.41). Those who had fewer family meals (fewer than 2-3/month) had a nine times higher risk of being overweight than those who had family meals more frequently (at least 1/day) (OR, 9.51; 95% CI, 1.21 to 74.82).

Conclusions

This study showed that being overweight or obese during preadolescence is associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome and is related to unhealthy eating behaviors. Thus, weight-control strategies and healthy eating behaviors should be developed early in life to reduce the risk for metabolic syndrome.     

The effect of deprivation on food cravings and eating behavior in restrained and unrestrained eaters

OBJECTIVE: The relation between being deprived of a food and intake and craving for that food was investigated in restrained and unrestrained eaters. METHOD: For 1 week, 103 female undergraduate students were assigned to be chocolate deprived, vanilla deprived, or nondeprived. Only chocolate deprivation was expected to elicit cravings, as chocolate is not easily substituted, whereas vanilla is. RESULTS: The main effect of chocolate deprivation on consumption was qualified by an interaction with restraint. Chocolate-deprived restrained eaters consumed more chocolate food than did any other group. Restrained eaters experienced more food cravings than did unrestrained eaters and were more likely to eat the craved food. Moreover, restrained eaters deprived of chocolate spent the least time doing an anagram task before a "taste-rating task" in which they expected that chocolate foods might be available. CONCLUSION: Converging measures of craving indicate that deprivation causes craving and overeating, but primarily in restrained eaters.     

A comparison of energy intake and food selection during laboratory binge eating episodes in obese women with and without a binge eating disorder diagnosis

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to compare energy intake and food selection of laboratory binge eating episodes in obese women with and without binge eating disorder (BED). METHOD: Twenty women, 12 meeting BED criteria, and 8 BMI and age matched obese controls, engaged in a laboratory binge eating episode. RESULTS: BED participants consumed significantly more total food in kilocalories than the non-BED obese group and more kilocalories of fat. However, there were no differences between the groups in the proportion of calories from any macronutrient. There was a nonsignificant trend for the BED group to consume more total grams of food. During the binge, the BED group consumed more dairy products. CONCLUSION: Results of the study confirmed that women with BED consumed significantly more total food in kilocalories than the non-BED obese women when they were allowed to have a binge eating episode in a laboratory setting.     

A high intake of dietary fiber influences C-reactive protein and fibrinogen,but not glucose and lipid metabolism,in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects

Purpose

The aim of the study was to investigate how a diet high in dietary fiber, with several fiber sources included, modulates glucose and lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response in humans.

Methods

Subjects (n = 25) aged 58.6 (1.1) years (mean and SD) with a BMI of 26.6 (0.5) kg/m² and a total cholesterol (TC) of 5.8 (0.1) mmol/L (mean and SEM) were given a high fiber (HF) and low fiber (LF) diet, in a randomized controlled 5-week crossover intervention, separated by a 3-week washout. The HF diet consisted of oat bran, rye bran, and sugar beet fiber incorporated into test food products; one bread roll, one ready meal, and two beverages consumed daily. Equivalent food products, without added fibers, were provided in the LF diet.

Results

Total dietary fiber intake was 48.0 g and 30.2 g per day for the HF and LF diet, respectively. Significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) was observed between the diets (P = 0.017) and a significant reduction in fibrinogen within the HF diet (P = 0.044). There were no significant effects in other measured circulating cytokines or in glucose, insulin, and lipid levels.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that a 5-week high dietary fiber intake of oat bran, rye bran, and sugar beet fiber might reduce the low-grade inflammatory response measured as CRP which could, together with reduced fibrinogen, help to prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease.     

浙江省消费者食品安全认知现状及对饮食行为的影响

目的：了解浙江省消费者食品安全认知状况,为开展宣传教育提供依据。方法：采取多阶段分层随机抽样方法抽取样本,采用卡方检验和秩和检验方法进行统计分析。结果：消费者食品安全关注率、食品标签关注率和知识知晓率分别为99.3%、95.4%和67.3%,无不良饮食行为习惯的比例为46.7%。低年龄、高学历、高收入人群的认知情况与行为习惯相对较好,而农民、工人等职业人群相对较差。电视和广播、政府相关部门分别是消费者获取知识的最主要和最信任来源,消费者最需要获取的知识是安全饮食知识。结论：消费者对食品安全的关注较高,应有针对性地提高消费者的食品安全认知水平、树立其良好的饮食行为习惯和开展相关的食品安全知识宣传教育活动。     

北京市出租车司机膳食结构与饮食行为调查

目的了解北京市出租车司机膳食结构与饮食行为,为改善出租车司机的营养健康状况提供科学依据。方法采用方便抽样的方法,在北京首都机场T3航站楼地下停车场候机排队的出租车中随机抽取1052人作为调查对象。采用问卷调查的方法收集司机的饮食行为、膳食结构等信息。结果 21.8%的出租车司机出车时3餐均在外就餐,郊区司机3餐进食时长低于城区司机。出租车司机不吃早餐、午餐、晚餐的比例分别是10.5%、4.4%和14.8%。出租车司机出车时午餐和晚餐的构成主要是"主食+荤菜+素菜",较少司机选择加入水果,尤其是午餐。干净卫生和能吃饱是司机们选择就餐环境时考虑的主要因素,仅有少部分司机在选择午餐(20.4%)或晚餐(27.4%)时会考虑营养因素。结论北京市出租车司机特别是郊区司机,目前仍存在饮食不规律、3餐分配及膳食结构不合理的现象。     

Peripheral and central signals in the control of eating in normal, obese and binge-eating human subjects

The worldwide increase in the incidence of obesity is a consequence of a positive energy balance, with energy intake exceeding expenditure. The signalling systems that underlie appetite control are complex, and the present review highlights our current understanding of key components of these systems. The pattern of eating in obesity ranges from over-eating associated with binge-eating disorder to the absence of binge-eating. The present review also examines evidence of defects in signalling that differentiate these sub-types. The signalling network underlying hunger, satiety and metabolic status includes the hormonal signals leptin and insulin from energy stores, and cholecystokinin, glucagon-like peptide-1, ghrelin and peptide YY3-36 from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as neuronal influences via the vagus nerve from the digestive tract. This information is routed to specific nuclei of the hypothalamus and brain stem, such as the arcuate nucleus and the solitary tract nucleus respectively, which in turn activate distinct neuronal networks. Of the numerous neuropeptides in the brain, neuropeptide Y, agouti gene-related peptide and orexin stimulate appetite, while melanocortins and alpha-melanocortin-stimulating hormone are involved in satiety. Of the many gastrointestinal peptides, ghrelin is the only appetite-stimulating hormone, whereas cholecystokinin, glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptide YY3-36 promote satiety. Adipose tissue provides signals about energy storage levels to the brain through leptin, adiponectin and resistin. Binge-eating has been related to a dysfunction in the ghrelin signalling system. Moreover, changes in gastric capacity are observed, and as gastric capacity is increased, so satiety signals arising from gastric and post-gastric cues are reduced. Understanding the host of neuropeptides and peptide hormones through which hunger and satiety operate should lead to novel therapeutic approaches for obesity; potential therapeutic strategies are highlighted.     

Effects of mood induction on eating behavior and cigarette craving in dietary restrainers

Women high in dietary restraint ("restrainers") increase food intake more than nonrestrainers following emotional arousal. When restrained smokers are deprived of cigarettes during elevated mood states, nicotine craving should increase with food craving. The present study investigated the interaction of smoking and affect on food intake in 60 women, 18-25 years old, who were identified as restrainers. The study consisted of smokers and nonsmokers who viewed a domestic violence or comedy film segment, followed by exposure to snacks. Emotional arousal, regardless of valence, did not result in a difference in food consumption between smokers and nonsmokers. Furthermore, smokers showed similar levels of nicotine craving after both films. Self-report of mood changed only in the domestic violence condition, indicating the difficulty of positive mood induction. Limitations to the study and suggestions for further research are discussed.     

Reliability of a dietary questionnaire on food habits,eating behaviour and nutritional knowledge of adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To develop a dietary questionnaire on food habits, eating behaviour and nutrition knowledge of adolescents and to examine its reliability. DESIGN: A cross-sectional baseline survey. The questionnaire was self-administered to study participants twice with 7 days between each administration. SETTING: A school community in Pavia, Italy. SUBJECTS: A group of students (n=72, aged 14-17 y, both sexes) studying in a secondary school in the second year of the course were invited to compile a dietary questionnaire during school time. Informed written consent was obtained from each subject and their parents. Subjects were initially recruited for a nutrition intervention; recruitment was opportunistic and school based. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Reliability was assessed using the Cronbach's alpha and the Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha ranges from a minimum of 0.55 to a maximum of 0.75, indicating that only two sections have a poor internal consistency. The Pearson correlation coefficients range from a minimum of 0.78 to a maximum of 0.88, indicating a very good temporal stability of the questionnaire. All the Pearson correlation coefficients are statistically significant with P<0.01. CONCLUSIONS: The present questionnaire has the potential to measure the effects of nutrition interventions on adolescents because of its stability in making comparisons over time. The instruments is low in cost and easy to administer and analyse; moreover, it could be modified appropriately to fit the needs of other populations as well.     

Effect of a dietary supplement combination on weight management, adipose tissue, cholesterol and triglycerides in obese subjects

A combination dietary supplement containing vitamins, minerals, herbs, fibers and amino acids was studied to determine its safety and efficacy on weight/ fat loss, cholesterol and triglycerides in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trail. Total body weight, body fat %, waist and hip measurements, total cholesterol and triglycerides were evaluated before and after 6 weeks treatment with combination supplement or placebo. The study population consisted in 27 mildly to moderately obese, otherwise healthy, volunteers. After 6 weeks of treatment, the combination supplement had a statistically significant (p<0.001, mu=0.05) positive weight reducing effect (-8.59Lb vs. +2.14 Lb). This weight reduction was associated with a corresponding statistically significant (p<0.001, mu=0.05) decrease in body fat % in the treatment group (-2.88%) vs. the placebo (+0.86%). In addition, significant decreases in total cholesterol (-22.94 mg/dL) and triglycerides (-39.29 mg/dL) were obtained plus reductions in waist and hip measurements. These positive results lead us to conclude, that the combination supplement studied herein is a safe and effective way to assist in weight/fat reduction and decreases in total cholesterol and triglycerides in relatively short time (6 weeks).     

Anthropometric, metabolic and dietary fatty acids profiles in lean and obese diabetic Asian Indian subjects

The present study was aimed to study anthropometric, metabolic and dietary fatty acids profiles among 200 (Group I: lean control, N = 80; Group II: lean diabetic, N = 70 and Group III: obese diabetic, N = 50) Asian Indians (aged 30 years and above) living in the eastern part of India. Anthropometric [height, weight, waist (WC) and hip circumference] metabolic [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG)] and dietary profiles were collected from each participant. Body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and conicity index (CI) were subsequently computed from anthropometric measures. An open-ended 24 h food recall proforma consisting of three sections and in local language was used to collect nutrient information from each participant. Daily intake of nutrients including saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were estimated by adding all the foodstuffs consumed on weekly and monthly basis. One-way ANOVA with Scheffe's post-hoc test revealed that Group I has significantly lower mean than both Group II and Group III for age, WC, WHR, CI, TC, TG, LDL, FPG and total carbohydrates; Group I has significantly lower mean than Group II only for HDL and Group I has significantly lower mean than Group III only for BMI, total proteins and total fats. On the other hand, Group I has significantly greater mean than both Group II and Group III for UFA/SFA, MUFA/SFA and PUFA/SFA whereas Group I has significantly lower mean than Group III only for trans fatty acids and Erucic acid. Pearson's partial correlation (controlling age and sex) analysis showed that the ratios of unsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids had significant negative association with lipids, lipoprotein and fasting glucose. Discriminant analysis revealed that overall 86.2% of all cases were correctly (positively) classified in three groups using fatty acids and their ratios. In conclusion, it seems reasonable to argue that dietary management including dietary guidelines would be useful to retard the growing incidence of diabetes in Indian population.     

Short-term effect of eggs on satiety in overweight and obese subjects

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypotheses that among overweight and obese participants, a breakfast consisting of eggs, in comparison to an isocaloric equal-weight bagel-based breakfast, would induce greater satiety, reduce perceived cravings, and reduce subsequent short-term energy intake. SUBJECTS: Thirty women with BMI's of at least 25 kg/M2 between the ages of 25 to 60 y were recruited to participate in a randomized crossover design study in an outpatient clinic setting. DESIGN: Following an overnight fast, subjects consumed either an egg or bagel-based breakfast followed by lunch 3.5 h later, in random order two weeks apart. Food intake was weighed at breakfast and lunch and recorded via dietary recall up to 36 h post breakfast. Satiety was assessed using the Fullness Questionnaire and the State-Trait Food Cravings Questionnaire, state version. RESULTS: During the pre-lunch period, participants had greater feelings of satiety after the egg breakfast, and consumed significantly less energy (kJ; 2405.6 +/- 550.0 vs 3091.3 +/- 445.5, Egg vs Bagel breakfasts, p < 0.0001), grams of protein (16.8 +/- 4.2 vs 22.3 +/- 3.4, Egg vs Bagel breakfasts, p < 0.0001), carbohydrate 83.1 +/- 20.2 vs 110.9 +/- 18.7, Egg vs Bagel breakfasts, p < 0.0001), and fat 19.4 +/- 5.1 vs 22.8 +/- 3.2, Egg vs Bagel breakfasts, p < 0.0001) for lunch. Energy intake following the egg breakfast remained lower for the entire day (p < 0.05) as well as for the next 36 hours (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to an isocaloric, equal weight bagel-based breakfast, the egg-breakfast induced greater satiety and significantly reduced short-term food intake. The potential role of a routine egg breakfast in producing a sustained caloric deficit and consequent weight loss, should be determined.     

The effect of suppressing negative emotions on eating behavior in binge eating disorder

Overeating may be a consequence of the suppression of negative emotions, by depleting self-control resources. This experiment investigated whether (a) there is a causal relationship between the suppression of negative emotions, negative mood, and overeating in people with binge eating disorder (BED) and whether (b) this relationship is increased in depressed people with BED. Sixty-six women with (full and sub-threshold) BED were shown an upsetting movie and then asked either to suppress their emotions or to react naturally. Subsequently, everyone participated in a taste task. After a decline, initial mood before watching the movie was restored after eating. Depressive symptomatology was positively correlated with caloric intake. Within the clinically depressed (Beck Depression Inventory-score>19) BED group, those who were most affected by the negative mood induction consumed the most calories. No differences were found between the two conditions with regard to caloric intake. No interaction effect was found between depressive symptoms and mood suppression. The hypothesis that suppression of negative emotion leads to overeating in (depressed) binge eaters was not born out. Overeating may serve as a means to (temporary) repair negative mood.