Pub Date : 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2026.108456
Xiaoyi Li , Shaorui Wang , Mingyue Xiao , Yicen Cui , Ximei Chen , Yong Liu , Hong Chen
Eating less in response to negative emotions, called emotional undereating (EUE), is common in children, but research on the etiology of these behaviors is in its infancy. 91 children (aged 9–12, 46 females) completed EUE subscale of Children Eating Behavior Questionnaire and underwent resting-state fMRI. Of these, 43 participants also completed arrow task and 78 were followed up one year later. Compared to children with low-EUE, those with high-EUE exhibited fewer errors but longer reaction times, indicating over-control and reduced flexibility. Additionally, children with high-EUE revealed decreased resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) within the prefrontal cortex and altered connectivity of insula. Notably, rsFC between the insula and the temporal lobe mediate the relationship between EUE and arrow-task performance at baseline and positively predicted the arrow-task performance one year later. These findings identify a potential stable neural marker of impaired cognitive control in children with EUE and provide new insights into the neurobiological basis of emotional undereating in childhood.
{"title":"Altered insula resting-state functional connectivity correlates with impaired cognitive control in children with emotional undereating","authors":"Xiaoyi Li , Shaorui Wang , Mingyue Xiao , Yicen Cui , Ximei Chen , Yong Liu , Hong Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108456","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108456","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Eating less in response to negative emotions, called emotional undereating (EUE), is common in children, but research on the etiology of these behaviors is in its infancy. 91 children (aged 9–12, 46 females) completed EUE subscale of Children Eating Behavior Questionnaire and underwent resting-state fMRI. Of these, 43 participants also completed arrow task and 78 were followed up one year later. Compared to children with low-EUE, those with high-EUE exhibited fewer errors but longer reaction times, indicating over-control and reduced flexibility. Additionally, children with high-EUE revealed decreased resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) within the prefrontal cortex and altered connectivity of insula. Notably, rsFC between the insula and the temporal lobe mediate the relationship between EUE and arrow-task performance at baseline and positively predicted the arrow-task performance one year later. These findings identify a potential stable neural marker of impaired cognitive control in children with EUE and provide new insights into the neurobiological basis of emotional undereating in childhood.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":242,"journal":{"name":"Appetite","volume":"220 ","pages":"Article 108456"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2026.108458
Flore De Vylder , Greet Cardon , Sofie Compernolle , Lien Goossens , Laura Maenhout , Delfien Van Dyck
The present study aimed (1) to investigate how food cravings, sedentary behaviour (SB), and physical activity (PA) vary within and between individuals over time in a sample of high-trait food cravers and (2) to investigate within- and between-person associations of SB and PA with food craving (i.e. intensity and type of craved food) in high trait food cravers, thereby exploring the effects in different time intervals preceding the craving. An observational study with a repeated measures design was conducted in 95 high-trait food cravers (19–64 years), consisting of (1) 6-daily smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) questionnaires on food craving and (2) accelerometer data collection for 7 days. Analysis through generalised linear mixed models revealed the importance of focusing on individual fluctuations rather than between-person differences. Higher SB was linked to a lower likelihood of experiencing a craving and lower intensity of the cravings when they did occur. However, the relationship between SB and food cravings may be better explained by emotional, social, or contextual factors linked to the sitting episodes. Higher light physical activity (LPA) was associated with a higher intensity of food cravings indicating a potentially triggering effect. More moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was associated with a decreased likelihood of craving energy-dense foods, suggesting a protective role in unhealthy food choices. These associations varied across different timeframes. Despite the statistical significance of the findings, caution should be exercised when interpreting their practical implications, as they may not translate into substantial changes in everyday behaviour. Given the observational and exploratory nature of the analyses, the findings are intended to be hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory, with the aim of informing future research.
{"title":"Within and between-person associations of movement behaviours with food cravings: an ecological momentary assessment study in adult high-trait food cravers","authors":"Flore De Vylder , Greet Cardon , Sofie Compernolle , Lien Goossens , Laura Maenhout , Delfien Van Dyck","doi":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108458","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108458","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study aimed (1) to investigate how food cravings, sedentary behaviour (SB), and physical activity (PA) vary within and between individuals over time in a sample of high-trait food cravers and (2) to investigate within- and between-person associations of SB and PA with food craving (i.e. intensity and type of craved food) in high trait food cravers, thereby exploring the effects in different time intervals preceding the craving. An observational study with a repeated measures design was conducted in 95 high-trait food cravers (19–64 years), consisting of (1) 6-daily smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) questionnaires on food craving and (2) accelerometer data collection for 7 days. Analysis through generalised linear mixed models revealed the importance of focusing on individual fluctuations rather than between-person differences. Higher SB was linked to a lower likelihood of experiencing a craving and lower intensity of the cravings when they did occur. However, the relationship between SB and food cravings may be better explained by emotional, social, or contextual factors linked to the sitting episodes. Higher light physical activity (LPA) was associated with a higher intensity of food cravings indicating a potentially triggering effect. More moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was associated with a decreased likelihood of craving energy-dense foods, suggesting a protective role in unhealthy food choices. These associations varied across different timeframes. Despite the statistical significance of the findings, caution should be exercised when interpreting their practical implications, as they may not translate into substantial changes in everyday behaviour. Given the observational and exploratory nature of the analyses, the findings are intended to be hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory, with the aim of informing future research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":242,"journal":{"name":"Appetite","volume":"220 ","pages":"Article 108458"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145950926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2026.108457
Clarissa A. Dakin , Cristiana Duarte , Kristine Beaulieu , Nicola Buckland , Michelle Dalton , Anna Myers , Catherine Gibbons , Mark Hopkins , Graham Finlayson , Molly Blakemore , R. James Stubbs
The visual analogue scale (VAS) methodology for tracking hunger, fullness, desire to eat and prospective consumption attempts to capture conceptually distinct but related dimensions of motivation to eat. It is the most commonly used methodology to measure subjective motivation to eat in human appetite and energy balance research.
The current paper examined the underlying factor structure of the 4 motivation to eat VAS: 1) in 552 participants from 13 studies at the Human Appetite Research Unit (HARU) at the University of Leeds through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) in fasting and post-meal conditions; 2) in 151 participants of the multi-center DiOGenes study through CFA in fasting and post-meal conditions before and after weight loss.
EFA results indicated that >60 % of the variance between the VAS variables was explained by one underlying factor. The CFAs confirmed that the one-dimensional structure presented an overall good model fit. The 4 VAS questions presented high factor loadings. The one-dimensional structure also revealed high construct reliability and convergent validity across the 13 studies. A second analysis further confirmed a one-factor structure in fasting and post-meal conditions before and after weight loss. Measurement invariance testing was conducted across sex and fasted vs non-fasted conditions. Results indicated model invariance across sex at the configural, metric, and scalar levels, and partial metric invariance across conditions.
This current analysis indicates that hunger, fullness, desire to eat and prospective consumption VAS questions contribute to a single latent factor that should be used as a composite measure of the underlying process of motivation to eat. Additionally, this work suggests new methods should be developed to identify and measure different dimensions of motivation to eat states.
{"title":"Examining the structure of visual analogue scales to capture motivation to eat in fasting and post-meal conditions","authors":"Clarissa A. Dakin , Cristiana Duarte , Kristine Beaulieu , Nicola Buckland , Michelle Dalton , Anna Myers , Catherine Gibbons , Mark Hopkins , Graham Finlayson , Molly Blakemore , R. James Stubbs","doi":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108457","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108457","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The visual analogue scale (VAS) methodology for tracking hunger, fullness, desire to eat and prospective consumption attempts to capture conceptually distinct but related dimensions of motivation to eat. It is the most commonly used methodology to measure subjective motivation to eat in human appetite and energy balance research.</div><div>The current paper examined the underlying factor structure of the 4 motivation to eat VAS: 1) in 552 participants from 13 studies at the Human Appetite Research Unit (HARU) at the University of Leeds through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) in fasting and post-meal conditions; 2) in 151 participants of the multi-center DiOGenes study through CFA in fasting and post-meal conditions before and after weight loss.</div><div>EFA results indicated that >60 % of the variance between the VAS variables was explained by one underlying factor. The CFAs confirmed that the one-dimensional structure presented an overall good model fit. The 4 VAS questions presented high factor loadings. The one-dimensional structure also revealed high construct reliability and convergent validity across the 13 studies. A second analysis further confirmed a one-factor structure in fasting and post-meal conditions before and after weight loss. Measurement invariance testing was conducted across sex and fasted vs non-fasted conditions. Results indicated model invariance across sex at the configural, metric, and scalar levels, and partial metric invariance across conditions.</div><div>This current analysis indicates that hunger, fullness, desire to eat and prospective consumption VAS questions contribute to a single latent factor that should be used as a composite measure of the underlying process of motivation to eat. Additionally, this work suggests new methods should be developed to identify and measure different dimensions of motivation to eat states.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":242,"journal":{"name":"Appetite","volume":"220 ","pages":"Article 108457"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145948264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study examined nutritional behaviours, barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and digital technology use among individuals with severe mental illness. A mixed-methods design was employed, utilising both quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (observations) approaches. The study was conducted across four high-support mental health hostels and included nineteen staff/clinicians (10 females, 9 males), aged 18–64 years (mean 44.8) and 33 service users (19 females, 14 males), aged 30–90 years. Participation was voluntary, with informed consent obtained. The questionnaire assessed staff/clinicians' perceptions of service users’ nutrition and digital technology capabilities, opportunities and motivations (COM-B model). Observations captured food choices, eating behaviours, and fluid intake. Descriptive statistics summarised questionnaire responses, which were categorised under COM-B, while inductive thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from the observational data, which were subsequently mapped to the COM-B and the Theoretical Domains Framework. Findings indicated that facilitators included psychological and physical capability to engage in nutrition-related activities, while barriers included limited food autonomy, lack of fruit and vegetables, and inconsistent access to water. Technology use was limited, with lack of access and low digital literacy identified as key barriers. Findings suggest that digital nutrition interventions could be effective if they first address barriers such as digital literacy and/or meal preparation skills, and are co-designed with service users to ensure digital tools are user-friendly and engaging.
{"title":"A behaviour analysis of nutrition behaviours and technology use in individuals with severe mental illness","authors":"Ciara O'Sullivan , Alison Merrotsy , Indika Dhanapala , Tara Coppinger","doi":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108454","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108454","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examined nutritional behaviours, barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and digital technology use among individuals with severe mental illness. A mixed-methods design was employed, utilising both quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (observations) approaches. The study was conducted across four high-support mental health hostels and included nineteen staff/clinicians (10 females, 9 males), aged 18–64 years (mean 44.8) and 33 service users (19 females, 14 males), aged 30–90 years. Participation was voluntary, with informed consent obtained. The questionnaire assessed staff/clinicians' perceptions of service users’ nutrition and digital technology capabilities, opportunities and motivations (COM-B model). Observations captured food choices, eating behaviours, and fluid intake. Descriptive statistics summarised questionnaire responses, which were categorised under COM-B, while inductive thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from the observational data, which were subsequently mapped to the COM-B and the Theoretical Domains Framework. Findings indicated that facilitators included psychological and physical capability to engage in nutrition-related activities, while barriers included limited food autonomy, lack of fruit and vegetables, and inconsistent access to water. Technology use was limited, with lack of access and low digital literacy identified as key barriers. Findings suggest that digital nutrition interventions could be effective if they first address barriers such as digital literacy and/or meal preparation skills, and are co-designed with service users to ensure digital tools are user-friendly and engaging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":242,"journal":{"name":"Appetite","volume":"220 ","pages":"Article 108454"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2026.108443
Carolina Assis Silva , Taísa Alves Silva , Ana Flávia de Sousa Silva , Wanderson Roberto da Silva , João Henrique Fabiano Motarelli , Fernanda Rodrigues de Oliveira Penaforte , Camila Cremonezi Japur
Mindful eating is a promising approach to improving individuals’ relationships with food, with evidence of behavioral and health benefits. However, there is no consensus on the most suitable instrument to assess it. This study aimed to identify self-report measures of mindful eating in adults, appraise their measurement properties, and provide recommendations for their use. This systematic review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022337733), adhered to the COSMIN methodology and PRISMA-COSMIN guidelines. Seven databases were searched up to October 2025 for studies on self-reported mindful eating instruments in adults. Measurement properties were assessed with the COSMIN risk of bias checklist and criteria for good measurement properties. The quality of evidence was classified using a modified GRADE approach. Twenty-five studies were included, describing seven original instruments and 19 cross-cultural versions. None met the criteria for recommendation. For sixteen, conclusions could not be drawn due to insufficient “high” quality evidence, and ten were contraindicated because of “high” quality evidence for “insufficient” results, particularly for structural validity or internal consistency. The Mindful Eating Inventory (MEI) showed the most promising evidence. Overall, the instrument demonstrated sufficient results for all measurement properties assessed, although the quality of evidence varied: very low (relevance and measurement invariance), low (comprehensibility and reliability), moderate (construct validity), and high (structural validity and internal consistency). There is a need for methodologically rigorous research that adheres to COSMIN standards to strengthen the psychometric evidence and ensure the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of mindful eating assessment tools.
{"title":"Measurement properties of instruments assessing mindful eating in adults: A COSMIN systematic review","authors":"Carolina Assis Silva , Taísa Alves Silva , Ana Flávia de Sousa Silva , Wanderson Roberto da Silva , João Henrique Fabiano Motarelli , Fernanda Rodrigues de Oliveira Penaforte , Camila Cremonezi Japur","doi":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108443","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108443","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mindful eating is a promising approach to improving individuals’ relationships with food, with evidence of behavioral and health benefits. However, there is no consensus on the most suitable instrument to assess it. This study aimed to identify self-report measures of mindful eating in adults, appraise their measurement properties, and provide recommendations for their use. This systematic review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022337733), adhered to the COSMIN methodology and PRISMA-COSMIN guidelines. Seven databases were searched up to October 2025 for studies on self-reported mindful eating instruments in adults. Measurement properties were assessed with the COSMIN risk of bias checklist and criteria for good measurement properties. The quality of evidence was classified using a modified GRADE approach. Twenty-five studies were included, describing seven original instruments and 19 cross-cultural versions. None met the criteria for recommendation. For sixteen, conclusions could not be drawn due to insufficient “high” quality evidence, and ten were contraindicated because of “high” quality evidence for “insufficient” results, particularly for structural validity or internal consistency. The Mindful Eating Inventory (MEI) showed the most promising evidence. Overall, the instrument demonstrated sufficient results for all measurement properties assessed, although the quality of evidence varied: very low (relevance and measurement invariance), low (comprehensibility and reliability), moderate (construct validity), and high (structural validity and internal consistency). There is a need for methodologically rigorous research that adheres to COSMIN standards to strengthen the psychometric evidence and ensure the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of mindful eating assessment tools.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":242,"journal":{"name":"Appetite","volume":"220 ","pages":"Article 108443"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145916286","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2026.108441
Crystal Seow , Brittany J. Johnson , Jennifer L. Black , Georgia Middleton
Purpose
The absence of school-provided meals in Australia means caregivers are responsible for providing school lunches, which are a key contributor to children's overall diet. While packing school lunchboxes requires physical, cognitive, relational and emotional labour, there has been little investigation about Australian caregivers' understandings of these processes. This study therefore aimed to explore these perceptions, experiences and beliefs surrounding school lunchbox practices.
Methods
Qualitative phenomenological study using semi-structured interviews with South Australian caregivers of children aged 5–11 years. Interview questions explored experiences, perceptions and decision-making processes related to packing school lunches. Demographic data were collected via surveys. Interview transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with women (mean age: 42 years), most holding a university degree or higher (n = 11), employed outside the home (n = 11), and caring for an average of two children aged <1–19 years. Three themes were generated collectively highlighting the complexities of lunchbox packing including: 1) the cognitive, physical and relational work of lunchbox packing; 2) managing the ideal lunch, and 3) the emotional load of lunchbox packing.
Conclusion
This study highlights the significant demands of lunchbox packing, as caregivers navigate multiple pressures from societal expectations, logistical challenges, and children's preferences with limited support. Participants found measuring up to lunchbox ideals challenging, feeling they must justify and manage their approaches accordingly. These findings emphasise the need for systemic approaches to better recognise and support the undervalued and complex work required to feed children on school days.
{"title":"“I do feel a lot of guilt about the lunchboxes”: Exploring caregiver perceptions and experiences of packing school lunches","authors":"Crystal Seow , Brittany J. Johnson , Jennifer L. Black , Georgia Middleton","doi":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108441","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108441","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The absence of school-provided meals in Australia means caregivers are responsible for providing school lunches, which are a key contributor to children's overall diet. While packing school lunchboxes requires physical, cognitive, relational and emotional labour, there has been little investigation about Australian caregivers' understandings of these processes. This study therefore aimed to explore these perceptions, experiences and beliefs surrounding school lunchbox practices.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Qualitative phenomenological study using semi-structured interviews with South Australian caregivers of children aged 5–11 years. Interview questions explored experiences, perceptions and decision-making processes related to packing school lunches. Demographic data were collected via surveys. Interview transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with women (mean age: 42 years), most holding a university degree or higher (n = 11), employed outside the home (n = 11), and caring for an average of two children aged <1–19 years. Three themes were generated collectively highlighting the complexities of lunchbox packing including: 1) the cognitive, physical and relational work of lunchbox packing; 2) managing the ideal lunch, and 3) the emotional load of lunchbox packing.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study highlights the significant demands of lunchbox packing, as caregivers navigate multiple pressures from societal expectations, logistical challenges, and children's preferences with limited support. Participants found measuring up to lunchbox ideals challenging, feeling they must justify and manage their approaches accordingly. These findings emphasise the need for systemic approaches to better recognise and support the undervalued and complex work required to feed children on school days.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":242,"journal":{"name":"Appetite","volume":"220 ","pages":"Article 108441"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2026.108451
Paige M. Cunningham , Cara T. Meehan , Kathleen L. Keller , Barbara J. Rolls
Food intake is influenced by the variety of foods available. While studies in adults indicate this effect is driven by sensory-specific satiety (SSS; the relative hedonic decline in a food as it is eaten), exploration of SSS in children has been limited. In this cluster randomized crossover study, across 2 days we served a 2-course snack to 31 children (6–12 y) attending local summer camps. The first course was 525 ml of either grapes (0.86 kcal/g; n = 14) or pretzels (3.9 kcal/g; n = 17), and the second course was 525 ml of the same food (low variety) or the other food (high variety). Before and after the first course, the children rated their liking and wanting of 6 foods (the food eaten in the first course + 5 others). Across participants, more was consumed in the high compared to the low variety condition (all p < 0.01). Liking and wanting for the eaten food declined more than for the uneaten foods (both p < 0.03). However, the effects of variety and SSS were smaller for the children who ate the grapes first compared to the pretzels, perhaps because they ate a greater weight of the low-energy dense first course (p < 0.01). While we found that children experience SSS, the findings highlight the complexity of satiation. Properties of the available foods (e.g. variety and energy density) likely affect the relative influence of factors such as decreased food appeal and physical satisfaction on the termination of eating.
{"title":"Sensory-specific satiety and the influence of variety on snack intake in school-aged children","authors":"Paige M. Cunningham , Cara T. Meehan , Kathleen L. Keller , Barbara J. Rolls","doi":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108451","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108451","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Food intake is influenced by the variety of foods available. While studies in adults indicate this effect is driven by sensory-specific satiety (SSS; the relative hedonic decline in a food as it is eaten), exploration of SSS in children has been limited. In this cluster randomized crossover study, across 2 days we served a 2-course snack to 31 children (6–12 y) attending local summer camps. The first course was 525 ml of either grapes (0.86 kcal/g; n = 14) or pretzels (3.9 kcal/g; n = 17), and the second course was 525 ml of the same food (low variety) or the other food (high variety). Before and after the first course, the children rated their liking and wanting of 6 foods (the food eaten in the first course + 5 others). Across participants, more was consumed in the high compared to the low variety condition (all p < 0.01). Liking and wanting for the eaten food declined more than for the uneaten foods (both p < 0.03). However, the effects of variety and SSS were smaller for the children who ate the grapes first compared to the pretzels, perhaps because they ate a greater weight of the low-energy dense first course (p < 0.01). While we found that children experience SSS, the findings highlight the complexity of satiation. Properties of the available foods (e.g. variety and energy density) likely affect the relative influence of factors such as decreased food appeal and physical satisfaction on the termination of eating.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":242,"journal":{"name":"Appetite","volume":"220 ","pages":"Article 108451"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2026.108450
Joseph S. Bellitti , Tera L. Fazzino
Research has indicated that the reinforcing properties of certain foods may drive excess energy intake and obesity risk. However, scientifically our understanding of what characteristics may modulate the reinforcing properties of such foods is limited. The study focused on foods with combinations of nutrients (sodium + fat or starchy carbohydrates) at moderate to high levels, termed hyper-palatable foods (HPF), which are hypothesized to be strong reinforcers. A randomized experiment using an online crowdsourced sample was conducted to examine whether sodium may modulate the reinforcing properties of HPF. A secondary aim examined whether ultra-processed food (UPF) status contributed to the reinforcing properties of food stimuli. Adults (N = 339) recruited online via Prolific were randomized to 1 of 2 study arms and presented with: 1) HPF-UPF (HPF that were also ultra-processed) (n = 5); or 2) HPF-only stimuli (n = 5). Comparator stimuli (n = 5) for both arms were matched food items without sodium. Participants completed visual analogue scale ratings of acute subjective effects and behavioral tasks assessing the reinforcing properties of HPF/HPF-UPF items vs matched items without sodium. There were significant differences between the HPF/HPF-UPF and matched items without sodium on all subjective effects (liking, wanting, etc; p-values <.001; ηp2 = .34-.68), on demand elasticity (sensitivity to increasing prices) in a food purchase task (p < .001, ηp2 = .16), and steeper discounting of delayed HPF/HPF-UPF rewards in a behavioral task (p values < .001, ηp2 = .19-.37). Findings provide preliminary evidence suggesting HPF may have strong reinforcing properties that may be modulated via sodium.
{"title":"Testing the reinforcing properties of sodium in hyper-palatable and ultra-processed foods using an experimental randomized parallel arm design","authors":"Joseph S. Bellitti , Tera L. Fazzino","doi":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108450","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108450","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Research has indicated that the reinforcing properties of certain foods may drive excess energy intake and obesity risk. However, scientifically our understanding of what characteristics may modulate the reinforcing properties of such foods is limited. The study focused on foods with combinations of nutrients (sodium + fat or starchy carbohydrates) at moderate to high levels, termed hyper-palatable foods (HPF), which are hypothesized to be strong reinforcers. A randomized experiment using an online crowdsourced sample was conducted to examine whether sodium may modulate the reinforcing properties of HPF. A secondary aim examined whether ultra-processed food (UPF) status contributed to the reinforcing properties of food stimuli. Adults (N = 339) recruited online via Prolific were randomized to 1 of 2 study arms and presented with: 1) HPF-UPF (HPF that were also ultra-processed) (n = 5); or 2) HPF-only stimuli (n = 5). Comparator stimuli (n = 5) for both arms were matched food items without sodium. Participants completed visual analogue scale ratings of acute subjective effects and behavioral tasks assessing the reinforcing properties of HPF/HPF-UPF items vs matched items without sodium. There were significant differences between the HPF/HPF-UPF and matched items without sodium on all subjective effects (liking, wanting, etc; p-values <.001; ηp<sup>2</sup> = .34-.68), on demand elasticity (sensitivity to increasing prices) in a food purchase task (p < .001, ηp<sup>2</sup> = .16), and steeper discounting of delayed HPF/HPF-UPF rewards in a behavioral task (p values < .001, ηp<sup>2</sup> = .19-.37). Findings provide preliminary evidence suggesting HPF may have strong reinforcing properties that may be modulated via sodium.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":242,"journal":{"name":"Appetite","volume":"220 ","pages":"Article 108450"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145931566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-05DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2026.108442
Cristina Stewart , Tess Davis , Esther K. Papies
Moving towards more plant-based diets is a win-win for both human and planetary health. However, for successful adoption, such diets must be realistic and convenient. This study explored the factors influencing food choices among young women in Scotland and examined how they interpret and use plant-based and convenience food in their daily lives. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 women aged 18–24 and generated six themes using reflexive thematic analysis within a critical realist framework. We found meat consumption to be socially and culturally embedded, reinforced by family, peers, and social media (Theme 1). Participants expressed a sense of safety with familiar meat-based dishes and fear towards unfamiliar plant-based dishes (Theme 2). ‘Plant-based’ was widely perceived as meat alternatives only, which were rejected across health, taste, cost, and identity considerations. Although cost was the biggest driver of food choice, meat was perceived as a necessary expense, further justified by health motivations (Theme 3). Environmental concerns were less important, with participants demonstrating limited awareness about the environmental impact of food (Theme 4). Convenience was important, though ready meals were rejected in favour of batch cooking and quick-prep meals (Theme 5). Meat reduction was perceived as an all-or-nothing identity shift, with negative vegan stereotypes deterring even small reductions in intake (Theme 6). These findings highlight the need to reposition plant-based foods as affordable, convenient, healthy, and familiar, likely requiring wider food system changes. Further, health benefits of increased plant-based wholefoods and reduced meat consumption should be emphasised in government and industry messaging.
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The early and frequent consumption of ultra-processed products has emerged as a growing public health concern, driven by a growing body of evidence linking these products to a range of adverse health outcomes. This study explored parental perceptions of their children's consumption of ultra-processed products and examined the barriers and facilitators influencing their inclusion in the diets of children aged 2–5 years. Using a generic qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 parents residing in Montevideo, Uruguay, a South American country with one of the highest childhood overweight and obesity rates in the region (14.1 % of children under 5 years). The analysis was guided by qualitative content analysis, employing both inductive and deductive coding strategies. Although all participants recognized ultra-processed products as unhealthy, they acknowledged their children regularly consumed items such as yogurt, cookies, and sausages. While awareness of health risks served as a barrier, many parents expressed compensatory health beliefs that justified occasional consumption. Key facilitators included prevailing social norms, influence from family and peers, and the widespread availability and marketing of ultra-processed products. These findings highlight the complex interplay of individual beliefs and broader environmental influences in shaping parental decision-making. Results underscore the need for a comprehensive set of strategies to discourage the consumption of ultra-processed products. These could include nutrition education programs to raise awareness of their negative health effects beyond the age of two, alongside the implementation of robust public policies to address the widespread availability and promotion of these products.
{"title":"A qualitative exploration of parental decision-making regarding ultra-processed products for children aged 2 to 5 years","authors":"Alejandra Girona , Leandro Machín , Agustina Vitola , Gastón Ares , Raquel Rodríguez , Camila Vinçon , Mónica Lozano , Lucía Antúnez , Leticia Vidal","doi":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108440","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.appet.2026.108440","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The early and frequent consumption of ultra-processed products has emerged as a growing public health concern, driven by a growing body of evidence linking these products to a range of adverse health outcomes. This study explored parental perceptions of their children's consumption of ultra-processed products and examined the barriers and facilitators influencing their inclusion in the diets of children aged 2–5 years. Using a generic qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 parents residing in Montevideo, Uruguay, a South American country with one of the highest childhood overweight and obesity rates in the region (14.1 % of children under 5 years). The analysis was guided by qualitative content analysis, employing both inductive and deductive coding strategies. Although all participants recognized ultra-processed products as unhealthy, they acknowledged their children regularly consumed items such as yogurt, cookies, and sausages. While awareness of health risks served as a barrier, many parents expressed compensatory health beliefs that justified occasional consumption. Key facilitators included prevailing social norms, influence from family and peers, and the widespread availability and marketing of ultra-processed products. These findings highlight the complex interplay of individual beliefs and broader environmental influences in shaping parental decision-making. Results underscore the need for a comprehensive set of strategies to discourage the consumption of ultra-processed products. These could include nutrition education programs to raise awareness of their negative health effects beyond the age of two, alongside the implementation of robust public policies to address the widespread availability and promotion of these products.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":242,"journal":{"name":"Appetite","volume":"220 ","pages":"Article 108440"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145882762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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