"Extravagances" during weight reduction, an analysis of food preference and selection

As part of a behavioural modification programme for weight reduction in outpatients, obese clients [body mass index (BMI) 41.5+/-5.9 kg/m2], planned to eat once a week, an "extravagance", defined as a highly desired food in controlled quantities. Women (N=65) chose sweets as an "extravagance" more often than did men (42 vs. 17%), whereas men (N=21) preferred alcoholic beverages (44 vs. 16%). The majority described eating the "extravagance" as an enjoyable experience. Fifty out of 69 patients named a food dish as one of the three things that they liked best to eat or drink, 39 listed different kinds of sweets and 29 had a preference for alcoholic beverages. Foods that the patients perceived as a potential contribution to their weight problems were mainly sweets, food dishes and sandwiches.