Loss of Control over Eating, Inhibitory Control, and Reward Sensitivity in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic...

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Pediatric loss of control over eating (LOCE) is gaining clinical interest, particularly its relationship with executive functions like impulsivity.
• Impulsivity encompasses inhibitory control and reward sensitivity, which may influence LOCE in young people.
• A comprehensive synthesis of existing literature is needed to guide future research on LOCE and impulsivity in children and adolescents.

Approach:

• A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across major databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO).
• The Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies was employed to evaluate the risk of bias in included studies.
• Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria for the final review.

Key Points:

• Methodological heterogeneity and varied assessment methods limit definitive conclusions.
• Most studies suggest a link between inhibitory control difficulties and LOCE in adolescent community samples.
• Obesity appears associated with inhibitory control issues, irrespective of LOCE.
• Limited research indicates higher reward sensitivity may correlate with LOCE and binge eating in youth.

Conclusions:

• The literature on LOCE, low inhibitory control, and higher reward sensitivity in youth is sparse, with a need for more studies in children.
• Findings may enhance healthcare professional awareness of targeting impulsivity facets in pediatric weight management.
• This review can inform current and future interventions for weight loss and maintenance in childhood and adolescence.