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Training inhibitory control. A recipe for resisting sweet temptations
1Maastricht University, The Netherlands. K.Houben@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Appetite
|December 28, 2010
Summary
Practicing inhibitory control over food cues reduces high-calorie food consumption. This training helps individuals, especially those with dietary restraint, regain control over eating habits and resist tempting foods.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience of Eating Behavior
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Lack of inhibitory control is linked to increased consumption of high-calorie foods.
- Understanding mechanisms to enhance self-control over food intake is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if training inhibitory control over food-related stimuli reduces susceptibility to high-calorie food temptations.
- To examine the interaction between inhibitory control training, dietary restraint, and actual food consumption.
Main Methods:
- Participants identified as 'trait chocolate lovers' were assigned to three groups: chocolate/no-go (inhibit response), chocolate/go (respond), or control.
- Inhibitory control training involved responding or withholding responses to chocolate stimuli.
- Chocolate consumption was measured via a post-manipulation taste test.
Main Results:
- Chocolate consumption did not differ between the control and chocolate/go conditions.
- In the chocolate/no-go condition, chocolate intake was significantly reduced.
- Dietary restraint correlated with decreased chocolate intake in the no-go condition.
Conclusions:
- Repeatedly practicing inhibitory control over food cues can effectively reduce high-calorie food consumption.
- This training may help individuals regain control over eating behaviors, particularly when combined with dietary restraint.
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