Effects of limited access to a fat option on food intake and body composition in female rats

Abstract

The present investigation sought to determine if limiting access to an optional fatty food would induce binge-type behavior patterns in non-energy-deprived female rats. Four groups of rats had continuous access to a commercial rodent diet throughout the 8-week study. In addition: (1) the control group had no access to vegetable shortening; (2) the high limitation group had access to shortening for 2 hr for 3 days each week; (3) the low limitation group had access to shortening for 2 hr every day; and (4) the no limitation group had continuous access to shortening. As access to the shortening decreased, intake during the 2-hr access period increased. Total energy intake and body weight did not differ among groups. Body fat was greatest in the rats that ate the most cumulative shortening. These results indicate that, even under non-energy-deprived conditions, limiting access to a preferred fatty food can induce binge-type behavior in female rats.