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Updated: May 19, 2026
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Measuring Oral Fatty Acid Thresholds, Fat Perception, Fatty Food Liking, and Papillae Density in Humans
Published on: June 4, 2014
Food intake is influenced by sensory sensitivity
Katherine R Naish1, Gillian Harris
1School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom. k.r.naish@pgr.reading.ac.uk
Plos One
|August 24, 2012
Summary
Individuals with high sensory sensitivity eat more chocolate. This heightened sensitivity to food
Area of Science:
- Sensory perception and eating behavior
- Food intake regulation
- Obesity research
Background:
- Rising obesity rates are linked to the widespread availability of palatable foods.
- Food palatability is significantly influenced by sensory characteristics.
- Understanding sensory sensitivity's role in food intake is crucial for obesity research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sensory sensitivity and food intake.
- To determine if heightened sensitivity to sensory properties influences how much individuals eat.
- To explore the connection between sensory sensitivity and emotional eating.
Main Methods:
- Forty female participants were assessed for sensory sensitivity using the Adult Sensory Profile.
- Participants were categorized into high and low sensory sensitivity groups.
- Chocolate intake was measured experimentally.
Main Results:
- Individuals with high sensory sensitivity consumed significantly more chocolate than low-sensitivity individuals.
- A positive correlation was observed between sensory sensitivity scores and emotional eating.
- Heightened perception of food palatability in sensitive individuals may drive increased consumption.
Conclusions:
- Sensory sensitivity plays a significant role in regulating food intake.
- Individuals more sensitive to sensory properties may be at higher risk for overconsumption.
- Findings suggest a link between sensory processing, palatability perception, and eating behavior.
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