Restraint, food choice, and cognitions

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Nutrition Science
• Eating Behavior Research

Background:

• Restraint theory posits that restrained eaters restrict calorie intake.
• It's hypothesized they may overcompensate with high-calorie food choices after a preload.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate food preferences of restrained versus unrestrained eaters after a high-kilocalorie preload.
• To examine the effect of preloads on food choices and consumption.

Main Methods:

• Two studies were conducted involving participants classified as restrained or unrestrained eaters.
• Food choices and consumption were measured after participants consumed either a high-kilocalorie preload or no preload.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in food choice between restrained and unrestrained eaters was found in Study 1.
• In Study 2, participants with a preload preferred lower-kilocalorie foods and consumed less overall compared to those without a preload.
• Restrained eaters who were preloaded reported more food-related control thoughts, but these did not predict eating behavior.

Conclusions:

• The findings challenge the traditional view of restraint theory regarding food choices after a preload.
• Preloading appears to reduce overall food intake in both restrained and unrestrained eaters.
• Cognitive control thoughts in restrained eaters did not mediate disinhibited eating in this context.