Binge-type eating induced by limited access in rats does not require energy restriction on the previous day

This study was designed to determine if a limited access feeding protocol would induce binge-type eating when energy intake on the day before the binge was not reduced. Rats were assigned to four groups; all groups had continuous access to chow and water throughout the 4 wk study. In addition, access to optional shortening was provided as follows: (1) Control (C): no access to shortening, (2) Regular Shortening Access-7 (RSA7): 2-h access everyday, (3) Regular Shortening Access-3 (RSA3): 2-h access every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, (4) Irregular Shortening Access (ISA): 2-h access on various days, such that the number of shortening access (binge) sessions equaled that of RSA3, but the last three sessions were each separated by 4 days. On the days prior to the last two binge sessions, RSA3 consumed significantly less energy than any other group (p < 0.05) but ISA intakes equaled those of Control and RSA7. During the last two binge sessions, intakes of RSA3 and ISA did not differ, and both groups consumed significantly more than RSA7 or Control (p < 0.05) These results demonstrate that binge-type eating can be induced by limiting access to an optional fatty food, and does not depend upon undereating on the previous day.