Changes In Food Preferences Research Articles

Invisible Treasures: Assessing Indonesia’s Unique Agrobiodiversity for Food and Nutrition Security

Indonesia is a biodiversity hotspot with high levels of endemism of globally important food crops and their crop wild relatives, as well as locally adapted cultivars. This rich diversity is essential to Indonesia’s food and nutrition security, while underpinning the livelihood strategies of small-scale farmers (both men and women) and traditional communities, who act as guardians of this genetic heritage. However, many of Indonesia’s plant genetic resources for food and agriculture are experiencing genetic erosion due to increased crop uniformity and the reduced use and demand for local varieties. Changes in food preferences and consumption patterns have driven the species into agricultural neglect with only some smallholder farmers cultivating the species for cultural reasons. These problems are exacerbated by land-use changes and climate variability. Recognizing the imperative to conserve agrobiodiversity in the region to ensure future food security and sustain livelihoods, the status of conservation and sustainable use of taro, yams, cloves and nutmeg in three target provinces in Indonesia was assessed. Mixed-method analyses were used to document existing conservation efforts and what is currently known of these target crops’ conservation status, both in ex situ collections and in the field, to identify unique biodiversity, as well as the barriers and knowledge gaps on how to better conserve and use this unique genetic diversity for future generations.

7279 Survodutide and Semaglutide Both Induce Weight Loss but Show Different Effects on Food Preference and Dyslipidemia in the Free Choice Diet-induced Obese Hamster Model

Abstract Disclosure: F. Briand: Employee; Self; Physiogenix. R. Augustin: Employee; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim. K. Bleymehl: Employee; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim. T. Zimmermann: Employee; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim. T. Klöckener: Employee; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim. T. Klein: Employee; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim. Introduction: Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and survodutide, a GCGR/GLP-1R dual agonist, have demonstrated significant weight loss in patients with obesity. To test whether this weight loss is associated with changes in food preference and improvement in dyslipidemia, we evaluated semaglutide and survodutide in the free choice diet-induced obese and dyslipidemic hamster, a model with a human-like lipoprotein metabolism. Methods: Obesity and dyslipidemia were induced with a 20-week free choice diet, which presents hamsters with a choice between control chow diet or high fat/cholesterol diet, and normal water or 10% fructose water. Obese hamsters were then kept on this free choice diet and treated subcutaneously once daily with vehicle, semaglutide 15 nmol/kg or survodutide 15 nmol/kg for 5 weeks. Results: Compared with vehicle, semaglutide and survodutide led to a 17% and 11% body weight reduction, respectively (both p<0.001 vs vehicle). Compared to vehicle, both chow diet and high fat diet intakes were significantly lower during the first week of semaglutide treatment, but then returned to baseline values. However, semaglutide significantly increased normal water intake and reduced fructose-enriched water intake during the whole treatment period (both p<0.001). Survodutide had a different effect, as it did not alter chow diet and normal water intakes, but significantly reduced high fat diet and fructose-enriched water intakes during the 5-week treatment period. Semaglutide and survodutide significantly reduced plasma insulin levels and the HOMA-IR index of insulin resistance (both p<0.01 vs. vehicle). Both semaglutide and survodutide significantly reduced plasma total cholesterol levels by 24% and 41%, respectively (both p<0.001). This hypocholesterolemic effect led to lower HDL-cholesterol levels (-25%, p<0.001) but unchanged LDL-cholesterol levels for hamsters treated with semaglutide. In contrast, in hamsters treated with survodutide, cholesterol lowering was observed in all lipoprotein fractions, including LDL-cholesterol (-39%, p<0.001). Conclusion: Semaglutide and survodutide both induce weight loss and lower HOMA-IR, but have different effects on food preference and dyslipidemia in the obese hamster model; such effects may be attributed to the GCGR agonism of survodutide. These preclinical data highlight the potential metabolic benefits of the GCGR/GLP-1R dual agonist survodutide for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic comorbidities. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Oxytocin effects on socially transmitted food preferences are moderated by familiarity between rats.

In the socially transmitted food preference (STFP) paradigm, rats change their preference for food rewards after socially interacting with a conspecific who has been fed with the originally non-preferred food. Here, we asked if oxytocin (OXT), a neuropeptide known for its role in social affiliation and social behavior, plays a role in STFP. Since OXT's influences on social behavior can be familiarity-dependent, we further asked if OXT effects on STFP are moderated by the familiarity between rats. Does OXT modulate rats' socially transmitted food choices in a familiarity-dependent way. We systemically injected either vehicle, low-dose (0.25mg/kg) of OXT, or large-dose (1.0mg/kg) of OXT before social interaction with either a familiar cagemate (in-group) or an unfamiliar conspecific from a different cage (out-group). We found an intergroup bias in STFP: vehicle-treated rats showed larger socially transmitted changes in food preference in the out-group than the in-group condition. OXT modulated STFP in a familiarity-dependent way: OXT prevented the increase in the consumption of the non-preferred food in the out-group, and decreased the consumption of the preferred food in the in-group. These effects were dose-dependent and observed under acute OXT action, but also on the subsequent day when acute OXT effects dissipated, suggesting long-lasting social learning effects of OXT. Additional analyses suggest that the familiarity and dose-dependent effects of OXT on STFP cannot be attributed to OXT's anorexic actions or differences in the duration of the social interactions. OXT modulates STFP in a familiarity-dependent way.

FGF21 acts in the brain to drive macronutrient-specific changes in behavioral motivation and brain reward signaling.

Dietary protein restriction induces adaptive changes in food preference, increasing protein consumption over carbohydrates or fat. We investigated whether motivation and reward signaling underpin these preferences. In an operant task, protein-restricted male mice responded more for liquid protein rewards, but not carbohydrate, fat, or sweet rewards compared to non-restricted mice. The protein restriction-induced increase in operant responding for protein was absent in Fgf21-KO mice and mice with neuron-specific deletion of the FGF21 co-receptor beta-Klotho (Klb Cam2ka ) mice. Fiber photometry recording of VTA dopamine neurons revealed that oral delivery of maltodextrin triggered a larger activation as compared to casein in control-fed mice, whereas casein triggered a larger activation in protein-restricted mice. This restriction-induced shift in nutrient-specific VTA dopamine signaling was lost in Fgf21-KO mice. These data strongly suggest that the increased FGF21 during protein restriction acts in the brain to induce a protein-specific appetite by specifically enhancing the reward value of protein-containing foods and the motivation to consume them.

1635-P: Survodutide Weight Loss Is Associated with Changes in Food Preference and Improvement of Dyslipidemia in the Free Choice Diet–Induced Obese Hamster Model

1635-P: Survodutide Weight Loss Is Associated with Changes in Food Preference and Improvement of Dyslipidemia in the Free Choice Diet–Induced Obese Hamster Model

Neural activity and connectivity are related to food preference changes induced by food go/no-go training

Simply withholding a response while viewing an appetizing food, over the course of many presentations (i.e., during food go/no-go training) can modify individuals' food preferences—which could, in turn, promote healthier eating behaviors. However, the neural mechanisms underlying this food go/no-go training-induced change in food preferences are still relatively unclear. We addressed this issue in the present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study. To this end, we administered a novel passive viewing task before and after food go/no-go training to 91 participants in the scanner. Participants’ food preferences were measured with a binary food choice task. At the behavioral level, we found the expected training effect on food preferences: Participants preferred go over no-go foods following training. At the neural level, we found that changes in food preferences were associated with training-related go vs. no-go differences in activity and functional connectivity, such as less activity in the anterior cingulate cortex and superior frontal gyrus but greater functional connectivity between the superior frontal gyrus and middle occipital gyrus. Critically, Dynamic causal modeling showed that this preference change effect was largely driven by top-down influence from the superior frontal gyrus to the middle occipital gyrus. Together, these findings suggest a neural mechanism of the food go/no-go training effect—namely, that the food-viewing-related interplay between prefrontal regions and visual regions might be related to the food preference change following food go/no-go training.

Changes in Food Preferences Before and After Intragastric Balloon Placement.

In recent years, numerous studies have tried to decode the way bariatric surgery works toward weight reduction by the use of food preference questionnaires. The intragastric balloon has gained popularity, mainly due to its limited invasiveness, in patients with obesity not fulfilling criteria for bariatric surgery. However, there is no study assessing the changes in food preferences [FP]. We decided to analyze the FP of individuals prior to intragastric balloon insertion and following its removal, on the strict condition that participants must complete the 6-month treatment period and attend at least 4 of the 7 follow-up interviews. Patients were asked to rate the frequency of consumption of 63 food items before balloon insertion, at monthly intervals and after balloon removal. The food categories were protein, carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables, and sweets and fats. The questionnaires of 320 participants were analyzed. A reduced frequency in consumption of meat and meat products, high-fat, and high-carbohydrate/sugary products and an increase in raw vegetables and fruit was found in all individuals. The intragastric balloon seems to exert analogically similar mechanisms to bariatric surgery for weight loss, both functioning through alterations in FP. These are dictated by the anatomical re-configuration of the stomach, but mainly by counseling of dieticians and the self-education of the patient after experiencing unpleasant postprandial discomfort.

Food preference-based screening method for identification of effectors of substance use disorders using Caenorhabditis elegans

Substance use disorder (SUD) affects over 48 million Americans aged 12 and over. Thus, identifying novel chemicals contributing to SUD will be critical for developing efficient prevention and mitigation strategies. Considering the complexity of the actions and effects of these substances on human behavior, a high-throughput platform using a living organism is ideal. We developed a quick and easy screening assay using Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans prefers high-quality food (Escherichia coli HB101) over low-quality food (Bacillus megaterium), with a food preference index of approximately 0.2, defined as the difference in the number of worms at E. coli HB101 and B. megaterium over the total worm number. The food preference index was significantly increased by loperamide, a μ-opioid receptor (MOPR) agonist, and decreased by naloxone, a MOPR antagonist. These changes depended on npr-17, a C. elegans homolog of opioid receptors. In addition, the food preference index was significantly increased by arachidonyl-2′-chloroethylamide, a cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) agonist, and decreased by rimonabant, a CB1R inverse agonist. These changes depended on npr-19, a homolog of CB1R. These results suggest that the conserved opioid and endocannabinoid systems modulate the food preference behaviors of C. elegans. Finally, the humanoid C. elegans strains where npr-17 was replaced with human MOPR and where npr-19 was replaced with human CB1R phenocopied the changes in food preference by the drug treatment. Together, the current results show that this method can be used to rapidly screen the potential effectors of MOPR and CB1R to yield results highly translatable to humans.

Changes in food preferences and ingestive behaviors after glucagon-like peptide-1 analog treatment: techniques and opportunities.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs are approved for the treatment of obesity in adults and adolescents. Reports have emerged that the weight loss effect of these medications may be related to changes in food preferences and ingestive behaviors following the treatment. Understanding the mechanisms which impact ingestive behavior could expand opportunities to develop more refined and personalized treatment options for obesity. Recent studies investigating the relationship between GLP-1 analogs and ingestive behaviors were retrieved from PubMed using the search terms: "obesity," "food preference," "taste," "ingestive behavior," "weight loss medication," "anti-obesity medication," "GLP-1 analog," "tirzepatide," "liraglutide," "semaglutide." Measurement tools were studied to compare variables used to assess food intake behavior. The main outcomes from each study were analyzed to evaluate the current standing and future directions of appetitive, ingestive, and consummatory behaviors and their association with GLP-1 analogs. Thus far, studies have primarily explored the weight loss phase and report decreased short-term appetite and food intake upon treatment. However, research during the weight maintenance phase and objective measurements of food intake are notably sparse. Additionally, verbal reports have been primarily used to examine food intake, which can be susceptible to subjectivity. Elucidating the relationship between GLP-1 analogs and ingestive behavior could reveal additional parameters which contribute to their anti-obesity effects. To better understand these mechanisms, it is imperative to consider objective measurements of food intake in future studies. Several measurement tools have been adapted to measure variables of food behavior in humans, and each must be carefully considered with their strengths and limitations to develop optimal investigations.

Analysis of Positional Preference in Drosophila Using Multibeam Activity Monitors.

The positional preference of an animal can be very informative regarding the choices it makes about how to interact with its environment. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has been used as a robust system for examining neurobiological mechanisms underlying behavior. Fruit fly positional preference can be gathered from TriKinetics Drosophila activity monitors (DAMs), which contain four infrared beams, allowing for tracking the position of individual flies along the length of a tube. Here, we describe a method for using DAM5Ms to examine food preference. Specifically, we show an example in which circadian changes in food preference are compared between different Drosophila species. More information about the evolution of behavior can be gathered by measuring feeding preference relative to time of day. Noni, fruit from Morinda citrifolia, contains octanoic acid, a chemical toxic to many species of Drosophila D. melanogaster and D. simulans, both food generalists, show high sensitivity to octanoic acid, whereas D. sechellia, a specialist, can tolerate high concentrations. When two different food substrates are provided at each end of a tube, food preference can be inferred at various times of the day, using the sleep and circadian analysis MATLAB program (SCAMP) to extract and analyze positional data from DAM5Ms. Data gathered from these analyses can be used to compare avoidance or attraction to nutrients, tastants, or odors between species and genotypes or after specific different treatments. Additionally, such data can be examined as a function of time of day.

Regional food markets of the Western borderlands of Russia: adaptation to integration and disintegration processes

The paper reveals the mechanisms of adaptation of food markets in the western borderland of Russia to the integration and disintegration processes that have been taking place on the external and internal borders of the Eurasian Economic Union since 2014. Using the example of the Kaliningrad and Smolensk oblasts, the authors identified changes in the regional food base under conditions of active import substitution, assessed the changes in food preferences of the population, as well as the role of cross-border practices in meeting the population's food needs. Based on the analysis of regional and federal statistics and field research, it was possible to establish that against the background of active investment in agriculture and food production there were three parallel processes: the spatial contraction of agricultural production, the expansion of its production capacity by large agricultural holdings in strictly defined areas (around regional capitals and important transport routes), and the expansion of holdings in selected peripheral areas with the lowest land value. Despite the commonality of the processes, the performance in agriculture and food production and activity in obtaining state support in Smolensk and Kaliningrad oblasts are radically different. Visual inspection of retail outlets, discourse analysis and representative surveys of the population allowed us to conclude that import substitution only partially allowed to provide raw materials and final products to regional food markets in both regions, since most holdings are oriented to meet the demand in high-margin markets inside and outside the country. Food markets in border regions are characterized, on the one hand, by greater vulnerability to integration and disintegration processes, and, on the other hand, by the variability of choice and opportunities for cross-border shopping trips. However, empirical data obtained by sociological methods show that the widespread perceptions of high cross-border mobility of the population of border regions are highly overestimated. The populations of Smolensk and Kaliningrad oblasts are similar in the level of mobility and conservatism with regard to shopping for goods of specific manufacturers of a suitable price segment. The “network” (through intermediaries) penetration of “sanctioned” goods in the Kaliningrad oblast covered a much larger share of the population than that which directly traveled abroad for shopping, so the adaptation of the population to external challenges to the food market was more noticeable.

An optimisation study to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from adults’ current diet in Italy

Abstract Background Trade-offs between health and sustainability dimensions should be addressed since environmentally sustainable diets can require a substantial dietary shift and result in nutrient deficiencies. The study aimed at modelling the current dietary consumption of the adult population in Italy to reduce diet-related greenhouse gas emission (GHGe) while complying with the National Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intake Levels (LARN), food-based dietary guidelines, and preferences. Methods Food consumption data from the Italian Nutrition & HEalth Survey (INHES) study (n = 8944, 53% females) have been used as reference diet. Through a non-linear programming model, two intermediate nutritionally adequate dietary scenarios, which alternatively minimised the impact on climate change or modifications in current food consumption, have been generated contextually to a final diet model combining both outcomes. Several constraints ranging from recommended dietary intakes to proper food associations and substitutions were applied to the model. Results The final modelled diet had an average energy content of 2100 kcal/d with carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and fibers accounting respectively for 49%, 16%, 31%, and 4% of the total energy. The associated GHGe were 2.01 kg CO2 eq/d: 49% less than the current diet, 22% more than the balanced diet with the lowest GHGe, and 12% less than the balanced diet closest to actual food consumption. Wholegrain bread, peas, seasonal fruit and vegetables, chicken, tuna, whole milk and extra-virgin olive oil were the most represented products within each corresponding food group. Conclusions The study proposes a balanced and climate-friendly diet which simultaneously minimises changes in food preferences, reducing barriers towards more sustainable food choices. Diet optimisation can be a promising tool to support public health strategies by suggesting less environmentally impactful and culturally acceptable dietary shifts at the country level. Key messages • The present study provides a culturally acceptable and nutritionally balanced dietary scenario optimised for greenhouse gas emissions to be proposed as a model for the adult population in Italy. • The study contributes to the development of public health policies by supporting feasible dietary behavioural shifts towards healthy and sustainable dietary choices.

Food and Culture: An Anthropological Analysis

Food is considered as one of the most important foundations of life for all living organisms along with water and air. It satisfies the physiological need of the body and also act as a major component in maintaining the health and well-being of an individual. Apart from its nutritional value, food is said to be one of the significant cultural traits that reflects the identity and the nature of people in a society. To provide evidence to the previous claim, this article intends to shed light on the relationship between food and culture by exploring the role of food in a society and its interaction with other socio-cultural institutions. In addition to that, this article also tried to describe, how the changes in food preferences can in turn affect the socio-cultural institutions in longer-run. Keywords: Culture, Food, Institutions, Taboo.

Precision nutrition in the context of bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery (BS) is the most effective long-term treatment for severe obesity. This review summarizes the main nutritional deficiencies before and after BS, as well as current dietary and supplementation recommendations to avoid them. Likewise, we have reviewed all those aspects that in recent years have been shown to be related to postoperative weight loss (WL) and its subsequent maintenance, such as hormonal changes, dietary patterns, changes in food preference, adherence to recommendations and follow-up, genetic factors and microbiota, among others. Despite all the knowledge, nutritional deficiencies and weight regain after BS are frequent. It is essential to continue studying in this field in order to establish more precise recommendations according to the individual characteristics of patients. It is also a major objective to understand more deeply the role of the factors involved in WL and its maintenance. This will allow the development of precision treatments and nutrition for patients with obesity, optimizing their benefit after BS.

Female Fly Postmating Behaviors.

Upon copulation, females undergo a switch-like change in their behavior and physiology, known as "postmating responses." These strong behavioral and physiological changes are triggered by the transfer of male seminal proteins during copulation. Postmating response is associated with strong reduction in receptivity, indicated by the females kicking their legs toward the suitor and curving their abdomen downward to hide their genitalia from them and extruding their ovipositor at the tip of the abdomen, which physically prevents copulation. The transfer of male-specific pheromones, such as 11-cis-vaccenyl-acetate, during copulation further reduces female attractiveness. In addition, mated females exhibit increased ovulation, egg-laying behavior, enhanced feeding behavior, and changes in food preference. However, females increase their rate of remating when they are in social groups or in the presence of food. This protocol describes methods for measuring female postmating behaviors, such as oviposition, female sexual receptivity, and mating plug ejection.

Food preferences after bariatric surgery: a review update.

Obesity is a serious and global health problem. The multiple complications of obesity reduce quality of life and increase mortality. Bariatric surgery is one of the best treatment options for obesity management. Bariatric surgery helps people reduce their caloric intake by treating the disease of obesity effectively, in part by increasing signaling from the gut to the brain. The most frequent surgical options are Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). There is controversy regarding changes in food preferences and selection after bariatric surgery. In this review, we aim to outline the changes in food intake and selection, clarify the behavior changes in food intake, and assess the potential mechanisms responsible for these changes in patients after bariatric surgery.

Toward Better Food Security Using Concepts from Industry 5.0.

The rapid growth of the world population has increased the food demand as well as the need for assurance of food quality, safety, and sustainability. However, food security can easily be compromised by not only natural hazards but also changes in food preferences, political conflicts, and food frauds. In order to contribute to building a more sustainable food system-digitally visible and processes measurable-within this review, we summarized currently available evidence for various information and communication technologies (ICTs) that can be utilized to support collaborative actions, prevent fraudulent activities, and remotely perform real-time monitoring, which has become essential, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Internet of Everything, 6G, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and digital twin are gaining significant attention in recent years in anticipation of leveraging the creativity of human experts in collaboration with efficient, intelligent, and accurate machines, but with limited consideration in the food supply chain. Therefore, this paper provided a thorough review of the food system by showing how various ICT tools can help sense and quantify the food system and highlighting the key enhancements that Industry 5.0 technologies can bring. The vulnerability of the food system can be effectively mitigated with the utilization of various ICTs depending on not only the nature and severity of crisis but also the specificity of the food supply chain. There are numerous ways of implementing these technologies, and they are continuously evolving.

Changes in the food preferences and purchase behaviors in the new normal: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: During the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic, food preferences and consumption behaviors of consumers began to change. This study aims to examine changes in food preferences and purchasing habits in the new normal of COVID-19 after lockdown. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the anonymous online survey hosted by the forms.app was shared via social media from July to August 2021, targeting Turkish residents 18-65 years old. The questionnaire was developed based on related literature by authors. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS© Statistics for Windows, version 20.0. Results: A total of 1033 women (90.4%) and 110 men (9.6%) participated in this study, between the ages of 26-37. During the new normal period of the pandemic, 40.3% of the participants have increased online food shopping, and 44.1% of the participants decreased food shopping via the markets, greengrocers, or local markets. While sex, age, income, marital status, and chronic disease did not differ significantly in the change in online shopping (p>0.05), education level and labor status were significantly different (p<0.05). 55.6% of the participants reported that the COVID-19 pandemic affected their food choice. Purchasing of foods perceived as healthy according to participants was a lot and quite a lot as %38.7 affected by the COVID 19 pandemic. A high percentage of the participants increased their consumption of healthy foods such as foods containing vitamin C, fruits, vegetables, nuts, protein-rich foods, probiotic foods, and water consumption increased. Conclusions: The food purchasing behavior and the consumption of foods consumed have been changed in the new normal period of COVID-19.

Food habits of fishes in a subtropical seagrass bed in Nagura Bay, Ishigaki Island, southern Japan

AbstractRecent losses of seagrass beds have resulted in a decrease in seagrass-associated fishes, highlighting the need for the improved management of such habitats and resources. Analyses of feeding patterns of fish associated with seagrass habitats are useful for understanding their habitat dependence, which contributes to achieving their effective conservation. The gut contents of 61 fish species were examined to clarify the food habits of subtropical seagrass fishes in Nagura Bay, Ishigaki Island, southern Japan. A cluster analysis based on dietary overlaps showed that the seagrass fish assemblage comprised six trophic groups (small crustacean, large crustacean, detritus, plant, fish and zooplankton feeders). Small and large crustacean feeders were the most abundant, followed by detritus, plant and fish feeders. Zooplankton feeders were represented by only two species. Ontogenetic changes in food preference were recognized in four species, including Lutjanus fulviflamma, Ostorhinchus ishigakiensis, Gerres oyena and Siganus fuscescens. Small individuals of the four species generally fed on small crustaceans or detritus, subsequently switching to other larger prey items with growth (e.g. crabs, shrimps and seagrass fronds). The most important food items for the assemblage comprised harpacticoid copepods, shrimps, crabs and detritus, representing high cumulative gut volumes for all fishes. Some species showed diets remarkably different from those determined for fishes in other seagrass beds off a nearby neighbouring island, evidence of the food-use patterns of seagrass fishes varying on a small spatial scale. Such dietary flexibility may increase the adaptability of fishes to seagrass beds characterized by significant variations in available food resources.

Neurobehavioral markers of food preference and reward in fasted and fed states and their association with eating behaviors in young Chinese adults

Adverse neurobehavioral responses to food could be one of the contributing factors to obesity in China, which is a major public health issue. There is a need for methodologies to better understand the cognitive processes and neural mechanisms underlying eating behaviors. This study investigated neurobehavioral markers of food preference and reward in pre- and post-meal states, and their association with eating behaviors in young Chinese adults. Chinese adults (N = 80: 39 male) completed the Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire (LFPQ-CH), and a Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Visual Food Cues Paradigm before and after an ad libitum test meal. The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) and VAS appetite scores were used to measure appetitive traits and states. Results showed that categorisation of foods along dimensions of sweetness and fat content were valid for the general population in China. Changes in food preferences and increased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) activation to high-fat savoury (HFSA) food were shown following a test meal. LFPQ-CH and fNIRS variables were able to predict unique variance in ad libitum food intake and DEBQ traits. The current results support the use of LFPQ-CH with fNIRS as valid and complementary tools for the neurobehavioral evaluation of food reward and preference. This methodological approach is sensitive to changes in appetitive state; can differentiate along the spectrum of eating behaviour traits and is predictive of food intake.