Scientists find no link between appetite and calorie intake

London

The food marketed as having appetite-modifying properties does not alter our calorie intake as there is no link between how hungry we feel and the amount of calories we consume, according to a new study.

The research conducted by scientists from the University of Sheffield in the UK, highlights a problem with health claims made by the food industry and the way in which many products are advertised, especially those aimed at people trying to lose weight.

Researchers from the University's Department of Oncology and Metabolism analysed 462 scientific studies and found appetite ratings failed to correspond with energy intake — the number of calories consumed – in majority of the studies.

"The food industry is littered with products which are marketed on the basis of their appetite-modifying properties.

Whilst these claims may be true, they shouldn't be extended to imply that energy intake will be reduced as a result," said Bernard Corfe from the Molecular Gastroenterology Research Group, who led the study.

"For example, you could eat a meal that claims to satisfy your appetite and keep you feeling full-up for a long period of time but nonetheless go on to consume a large amount of calories later on," Corfe said.

Only 6 per cent of the studies tested a direct statistical comparison between energy intake and appetite, possibly suggesting that researchers had avoided reporting this finding. Of the 6 per cent only around half could find a link, further emphasising how tenuous the relationship is.

The team now suggests that more research is needed to examine other factors governing actual food intake, including sensorial environment, social factors and entrained behaviour relating to food timing, along with our innate physical regulation of intake.

"More research needs to be done into the other factors which do influence our calorie intake. This will be important to understand how obesity occurs, how to prevent it, and how we need to work in partnership with the food industry to develop improved tests for foods that are genuinely and effectively able to satisfy appetite," Corfe said.

The study is featured in Food and Science Nutrition journal. — PTI