Influence of visual food cues on autonomic activity and craving

Abstract

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that autonomic control of the stomach is related to craving and is modulated by visual food cues. Twenty-nine healthy human participants were shown pictures of either high- or low-appeal food, as well as non-food pictures, and were asked to rate how much they wanted to eat each item using a 7-point Likert scale. Simultaneously, the electrogastrogram, electrocardiogram, electrodermal activity, respiration rate, and pupil diameter were recorded. After the ingestion of a 500-kcal liquid meal, participants were asked to perform the task a second time. Despite changes in craving ratings, we did not find changes in the amplitude of the gastric rhythm, but we found increases in pupil diameter for the high appeal food pictures. Moreover, craving ratings were mostly related to increases in pupil and tonic electrodermal activity, compatible with an increase in arousal and a heightened motivational response to food.