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Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
Staggered meal consumption facilitates appetite control without affecting postprandial energy intake
Sofie G Lemmens1, Eveline A Martens, Jurriaan M Born
1Top Institute Food and Nutrition, 6700 AN Wageningen, The Netherlands. s.lemmens@maastrichtuniversity.nl
The Journal of Nutrition
|January 29, 2011
Summary
Staggered meal consumption, unlike nonstaggered eating, alters appetite hormones and reduces food wanting. However, this eating pattern did not significantly impact subsequent energy intake in study participants.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Endocrinology
- Appetite Regulation
Background:
- Meal timing and patterns significantly influence appetite-regulating hormones and overall food intake.
- Understanding how meal consumption dynamics affect physiological responses is crucial for managing energy balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of staggered versus nonstaggered meal consumption on hormone profiles, appetite sensations, and food reward.
- To determine if different meal patterns affect subsequent energy intake.
Main Methods:
- A randomized cross-over study involving 38 participants.
- Participants consumed a 4-course lunch either in a single 0.5-hour session (nonstaggered) or over 2 hours with pauses (staggered).
- Hormones (GLP-1, PYY, ghrelin), appetite, and food reward were measured, followed by ad libitum food intake.
Main Results:
- Staggered meals led to lower peak levels and delayed responses of satiety hormones (GLP-1, PYY) and increased hunger.
- Prior to ad libitum intake, staggered meals resulted in higher GLP-1, greater satiety, lower ghrelin, reduced hunger, and decreased food 'wanting'.
- Despite hormonal and appetite differences, ad libitum energy intake was not significantly affected by meal pattern.
Conclusions:
- Staggered meal consumption attenuates the typical dynamics of appetite hormones and sensations compared to nonstaggered eating.
- Staggered eating promotes a more favorable hormonal profile and reduced desire for food before subsequent eating occasions.
- The observed hormonal and appetite benefits of staggered meals did not translate into reduced overall energy intake.
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