Risky decision-making after exposure to a food-choice task in excess weight adolescents: Relationships with reward-related impulsivity and hunger.

María Moreno-Padilla,María José Fernández-Serrano,Gustavo A Reyes Del Paso,Eldad Yechiam

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0202994

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of exposure to a food-choice task (appetizing versus healthy food) on risky decision-making by excess versus normal weight adolescents. We also analyzed the influence of food visualization on hunger levels, as well as group differences in food choices and impulsivity.MethodsFifty-six adolescents (aged 13–18 years) classified as excess (n = 27) or normal (n = 29) weight participated in the study. Risky-decision-making was assessed through the Balloon Analogue Risk Task, which was administered before and after a food-choice task. We also evaluated impulsivity traits through the UPPS-P Scale, and subjective hunger levels with a visual analogue scale.ResultsAdolescents with excess weight showed enhanced risky decision-making after the food-choice task compared to normal weight adolescents, as well as increased hunger levels. Furthermore, excess weight adolescents made more appetizing choices, and showed greater scores for Positive Urgency and Sensation Seeking. Reward-related impulsivity measures were positively associated with the number of appetizing choices in the food-choice task. Several associations were found between impulsivity measures, hunger levels and risk-taking variables.ConclusionsExcess weight adolescents increased their risky-decision-making after food exposure and this augmentation was associated with the increase in hunger levels. Increased hunger levels and risk-taking after food exposure could lead to overeating. Alterations in decision-making caused by food signals may be a long-term risk factor for the development of obesity in adulthood. In modern societies, with the high availability and continuous exposure to food cues, decision-making may be a crucial factor in maintain healthy eating habits in adolescents.

Highlights

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescence has increased considerably in recent decades [1,2] and excess weight in adolescents is a strong predictor of adult obesity [3]
Adolescents with excess weight showed enhanced risky decision-making after the foodchoice task compared to normal weight adolescents, as well as increased hunger levels
Excess weight adolescents increased their risky-decision-making after food exposure and this augmentation was associated with the increase in hunger levels

Summary

Introduction

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescence has increased considerably in recent decades [1,2] and excess weight in adolescents is a strong predictor of adult obesity [3]. Obesity has been proposed as a problem of food addiction, with overeating being explained as an imbalance between motivational and control-inhibition systems [6,7] From this theory, it is proposed that in vulnerable individuals, the consumption of large amounts of appetizing food (high in fat and/or sugar) could cause an imbalance in the interaction of these systems, resulting in an increase in the motivational-reinforcing value of appetizing food and a weakening of the control-inhibitory system [7]. It is proposed that in vulnerable individuals, the consumption of large amounts of appetizing food (high in fat and/or sugar) could cause an imbalance in the interaction of these systems, resulting in an increase in the motivational-reinforcing value of appetizing food and a weakening of the control-inhibitory system [7] This deficit in control and inhibitory influences would lead to impulsive and compulsive intake of appetizing foods, and as a consequence, to the development and maintenance of obesity [7]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion