Energy density but not fat content of foods affected energy intake in lean and obese women (original) (raw)

Energy density of foods affects energy intake across multiple levels of fat content in lean and obese women

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2001

Background: The results of previous studies indicated that energy density, independent of fat content, influences energy intake. In most studies, however, both fat content and energy density were lower than in typical American diets. Objective: We examined the influence of energy density on intake when fat content was above, below, or similar to the amount of fat typically consumed and when energy density was closer to that of American diets. Design: Lean (n = 19) and obese (n = 17) women consumed all meals daily in our laboratory during 6 experimental sessions. The main entrées, consumed ad libitum, were formulated to vary in fat content (25%, 35%, and 45% of energy) and energy density (5.23 kJ/g, or low energy density, and 7.32 kJ/g, or high energy density) but to have similar palatability. Results: Energy density influenced energy intake across all fat contents in both lean and obese women (P < 0.0001). Women consumed less energy in the low (7531 kJ) than in the high (9414 kJ) energy density condition. Despite this 20% lower energy intake, there were only small differences in hunger (7%) and fullness (5%). Women consumed a similar volume, but not weight, of food daily across conditions. Differences in intake by weight, but not volume, occurred because for some versions of manipulated foods, weight and volume were not directly proportional. Conclusions: Energy density affected energy intake across different fat contents and at levels of energy density comparable with those in typical diets. Furthermore, our findings suggest that cues related to the amount of food consumed have a greater influence on short-term intake than does the amount of energy consumed.

Energy density of foods affects intake in normal-weight women

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

This study examined the effect of energy density, independent of fat content and palatability, on food and energy intakes. With use of a within-subjects design, normalweight women (n = 18) were provided with meals for 2 d during each of three test sessions. During lunch, dinner, and an evening snack, subjects were given free access to a main entree varying in energy density (low, medium, or high). The manipulated main entrees were similar in palatability to their counterparts across conditions. Low-energy compulsory (consumption required) side dishes accompanied each meal. Subjects also consumed a standard, compulsory breakfast. Results showed that subjects consumed a similar amount of food (by weight) across the three conditions of energy density. Thus, significantly more energy was consumed in the condition of high energy density (7532 ± 363 kJ, or 1800 ± 86 kcal) than in the medium-(6356 ± 281 kJ, or 1519 ± 67 kcal) and low-(5756 ± 178 kJ, or 1376 ± 43 kcal) energy-density conditions (P < 0.0001). There were no differences in hunger or fullness before meals, after meals, or over the 2 d across conditions. The results from this study indicate that energy density affects energy intake independent of macronutrient content or palatability, suggesting that the overconsumption of high-fat foods may be due to their high energy density rather than to their fat content.

Energy density of foods affects energy intake in normal-weight women

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1998

This study examined the effect of energy density, independent of fat content and palatability, on food and energy intakes. With use of a within-subjects design, normalweight women (n = 18) were provided with meals for 2 d during each of three test sessions. During lunch, dinner, and an evening snack, subjects were given free access to a main entree varying in energy density (low, medium, or high). The manipulated main entrees were similar in palatability to their counterparts across conditions. Low-energy compulsory (consumption required) side dishes accompanied each meal. Subjects also consumed a standard, compulsory breakfast. Results showed that subjects consumed a similar amount of food (by weight) across the three conditions of energy density. Thus, significantly more energy was consumed in the condition of high energy density (7532 ± 363 kJ, or 1800 ± 86 kcal) than in the medium-(6356 ± 281 kJ, or 1519 ± 67 kcal) and low-(5756 ± 178 kJ, or 1376 ± 43 kcal) energy-density conditions (P < 0.0001). There were no differences in hunger or fullness before meals, after meals, or over the 2 d across conditions. The results from this study indicate that energy density affects energy intake independent of macronutrient content or palatability, suggesting that the overconsumption of high-fat foods may be due to their high energy density rather than to their fat content.

Combined effects of energy density and portion size on energy intake in women

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2004

Background: Increases in both the portion size and energy density of food have both been shown to increase energy intake, but the combined effects of such increases have not been investigated. Objective: The objective was to determine the combined effects of energy density and portion size on energy intake in women. Design: This study used a within-subjects design. Once a week for 6 wk, 39 women were served breakfast, lunch, and dinner ad libitum. The main entrée at lunch was formulated in 2 versions that varied in energy density (5.23 or 7.32 kJ/g), each of which was served in 3 different portion sizes (500, 700, or 900 g). The 2 versions were matched for macronutrient composition and palatability. Breakfast and dinner were standard meals. Results: Increases in portion size and energy density led to independent and additive increases in energy intake (P 0.0001). Subjects consumed 56% more energy (925 kJ) when served the largest portion of the higher energy-dense entrée than when served the smallest portion of the lower energy-dense entrée. Subjects did not compensate for the additional intake by eating less at the subsequent meal. Despite substantial differences in energy intake, no systematic differences in ratings of hunger and fullness across conditions were observed. Conclusions: The energy density and the portion size of a food act independently to affect energy intake. The findings indicate that large portions of foods with a high energy density may facilitate the overconsumption of energy.

Intake of fat and carbohydrate: role of energy density

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1999

In this review, we consider two hypotheses which could explain why high-fat foods are overeaten. The ®rst hypothesis is that fat is overeaten because it affects satiety and satiation less than carbohydrate. In several studies which have evaluated the effects of fat on satiety and satiation, fat differed little from carbohydrate when both the palatability and energy density of the test foods were matched. Therefore it is unlikely that the effects of fat on satiety or satiation provide the primary explanation for why it is overeaten. The second hypothesis is that the high energy density of fat facilitates its overconsumption. Support for this view comes from recent studies in which energy density signi®cantly in¯uenced intake when both the macronutrient content and palatability of the test foods were matched. For example, when individuals were fed diets varying in energy density and could eat as much food as they liked, they ate the same amount of food (by weight) so energy intake varied directly with energy density. Furthermore, when participants consumed foods of low energy density, they felt satis®ed, despite reductions in energy intake. These ®ndings show that energy density is a key determinant of energy intake in that cognitive, behavioral, and sensory cues related to the volume or weight of food consumed can interact with or override physiological cues associated with food intake.

The influence of food portion size and energy density on energy intake: implications for weight management

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2005

The increase in the prevalence of obesity has coincided with an increase in portion sizes of foods both inside and outside the home, suggesting that larger portions may play a role in the obesity epidemic. Although it will be difficult to establish a causal relationship between increasing portion size and obesity, data indicate that portion size does influence energy intake. Several well-controlled, laboratory-based studies have shown that providing older children and adults with larger food portions can lead to significant increases in energy intake. This effect has been demonstrated for snacks and a variety of single meals and shown to persist over a 2-d period. Despite increases in intake, individuals presented with large portions generally do not report or respond to increased levels of fullness, suggesting that hunger and satiety signals are ignored or overridden. One strategy to address the effect of portion size is decreasing the energy density (kilojoules per gram; kilocalories per gram) of foods. Several studies have demonstrated that eating low-energy-dense foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and soups) maintains satiety while reducing energy intake. In a clinical trial, advising individuals to eat portions of low-energy-dense foods was a more successful weight loss strategy than fat reduction coupled with restriction of portion sizes. Eating satisfying portions of low-energy-dense foods can help to enhance satiety and control hunger while restricting energy intake for weight management.

Reductions in portion size and energy density of foods are additive and lead to sustained decreases in energy intake

Yearbook of Endocrinology, 2007

Background: When the portion size and energy density (in kcal/g) of a food are varied simultaneously in a single meal, each influences energy intake independently. Objective: We aimed to determine how the effects of portion size and energy density combine to influence energy intake and satiety over multiple meals for 2 d. Design: In a crossover design, 24 young women were provided with meals and snacks for 2 consecutive days per week for 4 wk; all foods were consumed ad libitum. Across the 4 sessions, the subjects were served the same 2 daily menus, but all foods were varied in portion size and energy density between a standard level (100%) and a reduced level (75%). Results: Reducing the portion size and energy density of all foods led to significant and independent decreases in energy intake over 2 d (P 0.0001). A 25% decrease in portion size led to a 10% decrease in energy intake (231 kcal/d), and a 25% decrease in energy density led to a 24% decrease in energy intake (575 kcal/d). The effects on energy intake were additive and were sustained from meal to meal. Despite the large variation in energy intake, there were no significant differences in the ratings of hunger and fullness across conditions over the 2 d. Conclusions: Reductions in portion size and energy density independently decreased ad libitum energy intake in women when commonly consumed foods were served over 2 d. Reductions in both portion size and energy density can help to moderate energy intake without increased hunger.

Portion size of food affects energy intake in normal-weight and overweight men and women

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2002

Background: Large portions of food may contribute to excess energy intake and greater obesity. However, data on the effects of portion size on food intake in adults are limited. Objectives: We examined the effect of portion size on intake during a single meal. We also investigated whether the response to portion size depended on which person, the subject or the experimenter, determined the amount of food on the plate. Design: Fifty-one men and women were served lunch 1 d/wk for 4 wk. Lunch included an entrée of macaroni and cheese consumed ad libitum. At each meal, subjects were presented with 1 of 4 portions of the entrée: 500, 625, 750, or 1000 g. One group of subjects received the portion on a plate, and a second group received it in a serving dish and took the amount they desired on their plates. Results: Portion size significantly influenced energy intake at lunch (P < 0.0001). Subjects consumed 30% more energy (676 kJ) when offered the largest portion than when offered the smallest portion. The response to the variations in portion size was not influenced by who determined the amount of food on the plate or by subject characteristics such as sex, body mass index, or scores for dietary restraint or disinhibition. Conclusions: Larger portions led to greater energy intake regardless of serving method and subject characteristics. Portion size is a modifiable determinant of energy intake that should be addressed in connection with the prevention and treatment of obesity.

Texture-Based Differences in Eating Rate Reduce the Impact of Increased Energy Density and Large Portions on Meal Size in Adults

The Journal of Nutrition, 2017

Background: Large portions and high dietary energy density promote overconsumption at meal times. This could be reduced by eating slowly. Objective: Two studies investigated whether texture-based reductions in eating rate and oral processing moderate consumption at breakfast in combination with variations in energy density and portion size. Methods: Adults attended 4 breakfast sessions (2 3 2 repeated-measures design) to consume rice porridge, combining a 45% reduction in eating rate [thin porridge (140 g/min) compared with thick porridge (77 g/min)] with a 77% increase in energy density (0.57 compared with 1.01 kcal/g) in study 1 [n = 61; aged 21-48 y; body mass index (BMI; in kg/m 2): 16-29] and a 50% increase in portion size (100% compared with 150%) in study 2 (n = 53; aged 21-42 y; BMI: 16-29). Oral processing behaviors were coded by using webcams. Porridge intake was measured alongside changes in rated appetite. Results: Increases in energy density and portion size led to increases of 80% and 13% in energy intake at breakfast, respectively (P < 0.001), but only portion size increased the weight of food consumed (13%). The thicker porridges were consumed at a slower rate and led to 11-13% reductions in food weight and energy intake compared with the thin versions (P < 0.001). Combined, the least energy was consumed when the thick ''slow'' porridge was served with a lower energy density or smaller portion (P < 0.05). Although intake was reduced for the thick porridges, they were expected to be more filling than the thin versions and experienced as equally satiating postconsumption. Conclusions: Adults eat in response to external features of the food environment. An opportunity exists to use a combination of energy-density dilution, smaller portions, and natural variations in food texture to design meals that promote reductions in energy intake while maintaining satiety.

Energy intake adaptation of food intake to extreme energy densities of food by obese and non-obese women

European journal of clinical nutrition, 1996

Examination of energy intake in relation to energy density of food in obese and non-obese women. Assessment of energy and macronutrient intake over a day. Controlled food intake diaries of two weekdays and one weekend day. Daily life, with visits to the department of Human Biology, State University of Limburg. 96 women: 68 subjects: 34 obese and 34 non-obese were matched for age (20-50y) and were selected based on completing the food intake diaries accurately, i.e. underreporting < 10% of their estimated energy intake. The obese women showed a food intake distribution of 24 en% (0-7.5 kJ/g), 52 en% (7.5-15 kJ/g) and 24 en% (15-22.5 kJ/g), with a macronutrient composition of C/P/F: 39/17/44 en%. (Significantly different from the values of non-obese (P = 0.007) and of the Dutch food guidelines values (P = 0.008)). Non-obese women showed a food intake distribution of 38 en% (0-7.5 kJ/g), 49 en% (7.5-15 kJ/g), 13 en% (15-22.5 kJ/g), with a macronutrient composition of C/P/F: 46/17/37...