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The illusion of counter-regulation
C P Herman1, J Polivy, V M Esses
1Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Appetite
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Dieters exhibit "counter-regulation" by eating more after a large preload, but this response depends on preload size and satiety cues. Their ad libitum eating is not entirely unregulated nor consistently counter-regulated.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Dieting behaviors are complex and influenced by various physiological and psychological factors.
- Understanding the eating responses of dieters versus non-dieters is crucial for weight management research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ad libitum eating response of dieters and non-dieters following different preload sizes.
- To examine the conditions under which dieters exhibit counter-regulation or normal regulation of food intake.
Main Methods:
- Participants (dieters and non-dieters) consumed varying amounts of preload (0, 15, or 30 oz. milkshake).
- Ad libitum ice cream consumption was measured after the preload.
- Eating responses were compared between groups and across preload conditions.
Main Results:
- Non-dieters demonstrated normal compensation, eating less with larger preloads.
- Dieters showed counter-regulation after a large preload but reduced intake after an extra-large preload.
- Dieters' eating behavior is sensitive to satiety pressures, not consistently unregulated.
Conclusions:
- Dieters' ad libitum eating is influenced by preload size and satiety signals, exhibiting context-dependent regulation.
- The
- boundary model
- provides a framework for predicting whether dieters will regulate or counter-regulate intake.