Structural equation modeling of associations among taste‐related risk factors, taste functioning, and adiposity

Abstract

ObjectiveVariation in taste perception and exposure to risk factors of taste alterations have been independently linked with elevated adiposity. Using a laboratory database, we modeled taste-adiposity associations and examined whether taste functioning mediates the association between taste-related risk factors and adiposity.MethodsHealthy women (n=407, 35.5±16.9 years) self-reported histories of risk factors of altered taste functioning (tonsillectomy, multiple ear infections, head trauma) and were assessed for taste functioning (tongue-tip and whole-mouth intensities of quinine and salt) and density of taste papillae. Twenty-four percent had elevated waist circumferences; 39% were overweight or had obesity. Using structural equation modeling, we tested direct and indirect associations between taste-related risk factors, taste functioning, and adiposity.ResultsIn models with good fit, elevated central adiposity was explained directly by history of risk factors (tonsillectomy, multiple ear infections) and directly by lower taste functioning (lower tongue-tip taste function, lower papillae density). Risk factors of taste alterations were significantly associated with lower taste functioning, with taste mediating the association between head trauma and reduced adiposity.ConclusionThis large laboratory-based study supports associations between taste-related risk factors, taste functioning and adiposity. Our findings need to be confirmed with other population-based studies, including the NHANES 2013–2014 taste data.