Food Intake In Women Research Articles

The ORIGINS Project: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Nutrition Profile of Pregnant Women in a Longitudinal Birth Cohort.

Pregnancy is an opportunistic time for dietary intake to influence future disease susceptibility in offspring later in life. The ORIGINS Project was established to identify the factors that contribute to 'a healthy start to life' through a focus supporting childhood health and preventing disease (including non-communicable diseases). We aim to describe the dietary intakes of pregnant women in this cohort and to compare these to the Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) and Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS). The usual food and nutrient intakes of women were collected using the Australian Eating Survey (AES), a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). A total of 374 women completed the AES FFQ at both 20 weeks and 36 weeks of gestation between December 2016 and January 2023. Macronutrient, micronutrient, and food group intake were explored using descriptive statistics. Overall, it was found that the energy contribution from carbohydrates was low, while that from fat and saturated fat was high; participants were not meeting the recommendations for several key micronutrients (calcium, iron, iodine, and folate); and they had low diet quality scores for all food groups. These findings suggest that despite the ongoing promotion of healthy eating during pregnancy, further exploration into why dietary guidelines during pregnancy are not being adhered to is warranted.

Impact of Estrogen in Menstrual Cycle on Food Intake, Appetite, Energy Expenditure

Women have more difficulty with weight management compared to men, primarily because of sex variations in appetite and energy expenditure (EE) control caused by estrogen. In women, estrogen changes with the menstrual cycle and affects food intake (FI), appetite and EE. Research shows that in the luteal phase (LP), women's FI and appetite are significantly higher, while in the follicular phase (FP), FI and appetite are lower, and FI is the lowest in the FP. EE also increases significantly during the LP. In addition, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients have higher FI and appetite due to higher androgens, making them more likely to be overweight and obese. The current study suggests that controlling estrogen levels through birth control pills does not have a significant impact on weight control. However, a diet plan based on appetite fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can be used to achieve better weight loss. This research can tailor more effective weight loss programs and targeted health recommendations for women by understanding a deep knowledge of the impacts of estrogen in women on the food consumption and appetite. Future research could continue to explore estrogen changes in the menstrual cycle, in combination with other human hormones, provide valuable insights into weight intervention measures and drug development to tailor more effective weight management strategies for women.

Examining trait-like factors as predictors of state-level responses to food intake in women with bulimia nervosa, purging disorder, and controls.

Theories suggest that elevated negative affect and weight/shape concerns explain both who is affected by bulimic symptoms as well as when bulimic symptoms occur, suggesting that individual differences predict within-subject differences. However, few studies have tested this theoretical premise. In the present study, participants (N = 119) diagnosed with bulimia nervosa (N = 57), purging disorder (N = 31), and non-eating disorder controls (N = 31) completed measures of negative affect and weight/shape concerns and later made momentary affect and weight/shape concerns ratings before and after an ad lib meal. State negative affect and weight/shape concerns increased post-meal. No moderating effect of trait negative affect was observed for state affect. In contrast, between-subject differences in weight/shape concerns moderated within-subject increases in state weight/shape concerns. Diagnostic group did not account for this effect. Findings point to viable treatment targets for disordered eating. Targeting elevated weight/shape concerns early in interventions could facilitate reductions in purging after food intake for bulimia nervosa and purging disorder. In the present study, individual differences in weight/shape concerns at baseline predicted greater increases in state weight/shape concerns following eating. These effects were maintained when considering possible differences related to presence and type of eating disorder. Results suggest that targeting weight/shape concerns earlier in treatment may be important for reducing maladaptive responses to eating across eating disorders.

FRI007 Kisspeptin Does Not Affect Food Intake In Women With Overweight Or Obesity

Abstract Disclosure: C. Izzi-Engbeaya: None. M. Choudhury: None. B. Patel: None. B. Muzi: None. A. Qayum: None. E.G. Mills: None. M. Ahsan: None. M. Phylactou: None. S. Clarke: None. L. Aslett: None. A.N. Comninos: None. A. Abbara: None. T. Tan: None. W.S. Dhillo: None. Background: Kisspeptin neurons in the hypothalamus are believed to play a role in mediating the interaction between metabolic and reproductive health. Functional neuroanatomical connections exist between kisspeptin neurons and appetite-regulating neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Female (but not male) global kisspeptin receptor knockout mice have reduced food intake compared to controls. However, studies of kisspeptin administration have yielded conflicting results, with either decreased, or unchanged food intake reported in rodent studies. Consistent with some of the literature, kisspeptin administration does not influence food intake in men. However, the effects of kisspeptin on food intake have not previously been studied in women. Research Question: What is the effect of kisspeptin administration on food intake in women? Methodology: A randomized controlled crossover study was performed in women with overweight or obesity (BMI >25 kg/m2) who were not in receipt of exogenous oral and/or transdermal estrogens or progestins. Each woman attended two study visits in random order following an overnight fast. During each study visit they received either a 2-hour intravenous infusion of kisspeptin-54 at a rate of 1.0 nmol/kg/hr, or a rate-matched vehicle infusion. The study was single-blinded, with participants unaware of the infusion identity. Participants were given an ad libitum meal 45 minutes after the start of each infusion. Blood samples were taken for reproductive and metabolic profiling, and visual analogue scales (VAS) to assess hunger were completed at regular intervals throughout both study visits. Data are presented as mean±SD. Results: 17 women (age 49±12 years, BMI 34±7 kg/m2) completed both study visits. As expected, LH levels were higher during kisspeptin than during vehicle infusion (p<0.01), confirming bioactivity of the kisspeptin dose. Pre-meal estradiol levels were similar during kisspeptin and vehicle infusions (p=0.34). There were no differences in pre-meal hunger VAS scores 30 mins after the start of the infusion (kisspeptin 5.2±2.7 vs vehicle 5.9±2.3, p=0.33) or bodyweight-adjusted food intake (kisspeptin 6.8±3.7 kcal/kg vs vehicle 6.2±2.8 kcal/kg, p=0.33). There were also no differences in glucose (p=0.97) or insulin (p=0.68) levels between kisspeptin and vehicle infusions. Conclusions: Acute intravenous administration of a biologically active dose of kisspeptin did not affect food intake or hunger in women with overweight or obesity. Furthermore, kisspeptin administration did not alter fasting or post-prandial glucose levels. This is the first study to examine the effects of kisspeptin on hunger and food intake in women and provides reassuring safety data for the ongoing development of kisspeptin-based therapeutics. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Relationships between sarcopenia, nutrient intake, and gut microbiota in Chinese community-dwelling older women

BackgroundThe relationship among gut microbiota, sarcopenia components, and influencing factors in female sarcopenic patients has been poorly investigated. MethodsFemale participants completed questionnaires of physical activity and dietary frequency and were assessed for the presence of sarcopenia by the Asian Working Group of Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS 2019) criteria. Fecal samples were collected from 17 sarcopenia and 30 non-sarcopenia subjects for 16S sequencing and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) detection. ResultsThe prevalence of sarcopenia was 19.20% among 276 participants. The dietary protein, fat, dietary fiber, vitamin B1, niacin, vitamin E, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, and cooper intake of sarcopenia were all remarkably low. In addition, the richness of gut microbiota (Chao1 and ACE indexes) was considerably reduced in sarcopenic patients, and the sarcopenic gut microbiota and its metabolite were decreased in Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, Agathobacter, Dorea and Butyrate and were enriched in Shigella and Bacteroides. Correlation analysis showed that Agathobacter and Acetate were positively correlated with grip strength and gait speed, respectively, and Bifidobacterium was negatively correlated with grip strength and appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI). Moreover, the protein intake was positively related to Bifidobacterium. ConclusionsThis cross-sectional study revealed the alterations of gut microbiota composition, SCFA, and nutrient intake in women with sarcopenia and their relation to sarcopenic components. These results provide insights into further studies on the role of nutrition and gut microbiota in sarcopenia and its use as a therapeutic approach.

Adherence to Oxidative Balance Scores is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer; A Case-Control Study

We aimed to examine whether anthropometric indices, dietary factors, and nutrient intakes of women with and without breast cancer (BrCa) are associated with the oxidative balance score (OBS). This case-control study was carried out among 253 patients with BrCa and 267 healthy subjects aged >18 years. The OBS was calculated by using the following 13 dietary and non-dietary anti- and prooxidant components: dietary antioxidants (selenium, fiber, β-carotene, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E, and folate), dietary prooxidants (iron and saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids), and nondietary anti- (physical activity) and prooxidants (smoking and obesity). The binary logistic regression was used to determine the association OBS with BrCa. After adjusting for potential confounders in the final model, there was evidence that the odds of BrCa decreased with increasing categories of the OBS (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.28 − 0.98; P-trend = 0.021). When we made stratified analysis by menopausal status, OBS was inversely associated with odds of BrCa in premenopausal women after adjusting for potential confounders. No significant association was found between OBS and odds of BrCa among post-menopausal women. Our data suggest that OBS scores were associated with decreased BrCa risk in the overall population.

A secondary analysis of maternal ultra-processed food intake in women with overweight or obesity and associations with gestational weight gain and neonatal body composition outcomes.

BackgroundThis study is an observational secondary analysis of the Lifestyle Intervention for Two (LIFT) randomised controlled trial data. There is a paucity of data related to mechanisms of health effects and dietary intake of ultra-processed foods (UPF). Earlier studies demonstrate associations between greater UPF intake and weight gain. The purpose of the study was to describe associations among maternal UPF intake with gestational weight gain (GWG) and neonatal body composition.Material and methodsWomen with overweight or obesity (n=156) and offspring (n=126) with complete energy intake, anthropometrics and body composition measures were selected. Maternal weights and diet recalls (Automated Self-Administered 24) were measured at weeks 14 and 35 gestational age (GA). Body composition was assessed by infant quantitative magnetic resonance (infant-QMR) and air displacement plethysmography (ADP) at birth. Dependent variables were GWG and neonatal fat mass, fat-free mass, and lean mass at birth; covariates were dietary, socioeconomic and biological. Stepwise linear regressions were used to test associations.ResultsHighest quartile of percentage of energy intake from UPF (PEI-UPF) was not significantly correlated with maternal GWG (p=0.215), infant QMR fat (p=0.816) and lean mass (p=0.423) or ADP fat (p=0.482) or fat-free mass (p=0.835).ConclusionsWhile no significant associations with UPF were observed in this smaller size cohort, further investigations would be justified in larger cohorts on the relationships of maternal UPF intake and GWG and offspring outcomes. Clinical Trial NCT01616147

Assessment of sleep quality and nutritional status of antenatal mothers—A community-based study

Introduction: Sleep is an essential part of the overall well-being of health. Good quality of sleep is required for everyone to be free from physically, mentally, and socially caused disease and disability. The quality of sleep is more important during pregnancy where women are carrying one more life in their womb. Socioeconomic and demographic factors have a substantial effect on nutritional status and the food intake of women, especially pregnant and lactating women in the family. The available literature has highlighted the influence of factors such as women’s education status, family size, and community to which a woman belongs on their nutritional status and intake. Very few studies highlighted the sleep pattern in the different trimester and nutritional score of pregnant women. Therefore, the present study was an attempt to evaluate the quality of sleep and nutritional status among pregnant women in field practice areas. Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective cross-sectional observational study and was carried out in urban and rural field practice areas of the Department of Community Medicine. A total of 104 pregnant women from randomly selected households in both rural and urban areas were included in the study as a convenient sampling. Data on the quality of sleep were collected using standardized Pittsburgh sleep quality index scale from participants, and women dietary diversity score was collected by 24 h diet history in their own language. Result: Of them, 75% have sleep difficulty with a score of >3; 54% of them were consuming more than six food groups in their daily diet. Conclusion: Our study concludes that an imbalance among antenatal mothers between resident areas related to nutrition score was due to literacy status, occupation, and the type of family of the antenatal mothers.

Lower Energy-Dense Ready Meal Consumption Affects Self-Reported Appetite Ratings with No Effect on Subsequent Food Intake in Women.

Slimming World (SW), a commercial weight management organisation, has designed a range of low energy-dense ready meals (LEDRMs) in line with their programme. This randomised crossover study compared commercially available equicaloric ready meals differing in energy density on satiety and food intake. It was hypothesised that the LEDRM would reduce energy intake (EI) whilst increasing fullness and reducing hunger compared to higher energy-dense ready meal (HEDRM, control). A total of 26 female participants (aged 18–65 years; body mass index of 28.8 ± 3.0 kg·m−2) attended two test days. The participants ate a standard breakfast, and four hours later, ate either a LEDRM or HEDRM at lunch. EI was measured four hours later at an ad libitum tea. Satiety measurements were recorded throughout the day using visual analogue scales and a weighed food diary was completed for the remainder of the day. The results revealed that the LEDRM reduced hunger and increased fullness (both p < 0.001). There was no difference in EI at the evening meal between the ready meals (p > 0.05), however, during the whole LEDRM testing day, the participants consumed significantly less fat (7.1%) and saturated fat (3.6%) (both p < 0.01), but significantly more carbohydrates, sugars, fibre, protein, and salt (all p < 0.01). The results indicate that the participants felt more satiated after consuming ready meals of the same energy content but larger portion size. Despite no significant difference in short-term EI between the ready meals, the results indicated that the LEDRM produced beneficial subjective satiety responses and, therefore, can help to improve the nutritional content of meals i.e., reduce saturated fat consumption.

Seasonal Variations in Dietary Diversity and Nutrient Intakes of Women and Their Children (6–23 Months) in Western Kenya

Seasonal variations in food availability and access contributes to inadequate nutrient intakes, particularly in low income countries. This study assessed the effect of seasonality on dietary diversity (DD) and nutrient intakes of women and children aged 6–23 months in a rural setting in Western Kenya. A longitudinal study was conducted among 426 mother-child pairs during the harvest and post-harvest seasons in 2012. Dietary intakes were assessed using 24-h dietary recalls and dietary diversity scores (DDS) and nutrient intakes calculated for both seasons. Effect of seasonality on women dietary diversity scores (WDDS) and children's dietary diversity scores (CDDS) were assessed using generalised linear mixed models (GLMM). The proportion of women consuming diets with high DDS (>4 out of 9 food groups) increased from 36.4 to 52.4% between the two seasons, with mean WDDS being significantly higher in November compared to July/August (4.62 ± 1.43 vs. 4.16 ± 1.14, P < 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of children consumed foods from ≥4 out of 7 food groups in November compared to July/August (62.4 vs. 52.6%, P = 0.004). Mean CDDS (3.91 vs. 3.61, P = 0.004) was low but significantly higher in November compared to July/August. Estimated marginal mean WDDS increased from 4.17 to 4.38, and decreased for CDDS from 3.73 to 3.60 between the seasons. Seasonality had a small but significant effect on WDDS, P = 0.008 but not on CDDS, P = 0.293. Increase in CDDS in November was due to age and not seasonal effect. Higher women education and household food security were associated with higher WDDS and CDDS. Intakes of iron, calcium and vitamin E were higher among women in November and significantly different between the seasons. Agro-ecological zone, ethnic group and home gardening influenced nutrient intakes of the women. Seasonality had an effect on the DD of women but not of children, thus other factors apart from food availability influence the quality of children's diets during the complementary feeding period. With increasing age and transition to family foods, children's DD is expected to be affected by seasonality. Integrated interventions to alleviate seasonal food insecurity and strengthen rural households' resilience against seasonal deterioration in diet quality are recommended.

Evaluation of food intake in women in chemotherapy for breast cancer

Rationale: Breast cancer affects women all over the world. It is known that nutritional status is an important factor for prognosis. In this context, the side effects of chemotherapy can modify eating habits promoting nutritional changes.

Impulsivity influences food intake in women with generalized anxiety disorder.

Objective:Eating behavior is affected by psychological and neurocognitive factors. However, little is known about this relationship in anxious patients. Our aim was to investigate the associations between impulsivity, inhibitory control, energy-dense food consumption, and body mass index (BMI) in women with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 51 adult females with GAD answered the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and participated in a go/no-go task using food images. Anthropometric measurements were evaluated. A food frequency questionnaire and a snack test were used to study eating behavior. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression were performed to analyze the variables of interest, adjusted by age.Results:Impulsivity predicted intake of sugar (p = 0.016, 95%CI 0.67-6.05), total fat (p = 0.007, 95%CI 0.62-3.71), and saturated fat (p = 0.004, 95%CI 0.30-1.48). The snack test showed a positive correlation between presence of impulsivity and intake of biscuits (R = 0.296; p = 0.051). Response inhibition to food images in the go/no-go task paradigm did not predict BMI or food intake.Conclusion:Impulsivity was predictive of higher sugar and saturated fat intake in women diagnosed with GAD. Our findings add to the literature regarding the association between neuropsychological factors and food consumption in this specific population.

Oxytocin reduces post-stress sweet snack intake in women without attenuating salivary cortisol

Intranasal oxytocin produces anorectic effects on snack intake in men when tested in the absence of deprivation-induced hunger, but its effects on food intake in women without eating disorders have not been reported. Oxytocin may reduce food intake by reducing stress eating, since it inhibits ACTH release. The present study adopted a double-blind, repeated measures and fully concealed crossover protocol in which 38 women self-administered 24 IU of oxytocin or placebo intranasally, ate lunch, and underwent two consecutive stress tests. Snack intake was assessed 15–20 min after lunch, via a sham taste test. Salivary cortisol was measured throughout the test period every 15 min. Oxytocin significantly reduced sweet fatty snack intake independently of any effect on salivary cortisol, which declined over time at a similar rate after either drug or placebo. Ratings of sweet taste were slightly reduced by oxytocin, but only in self-reported stress eaters. These results differ from previous studies with men that found an effect of oxytocin on postprandial cortisol levels. However, previous research assayed the less active form of plasma cortisol and did not control for protein intake, which can drive elevated cortisol. The finding that oxytocin reduces snack intake in females after acute stress has important implications for appetite regulation and its treatment in obese people and in those with eating disorders.

Measuring the Impact of Nutrition Sensitive Interventions on Diet: A Systematic Review of Tools and Indicators (P10-133-19)

ObjectivesNutrition sensitive interventions (NSI), which target underlying causes of undernutrition, have been identified as essential to reduce the burden of malnutrition, which disproportionately affects women and children living in low to middle income countries. However, evaluating the impacts of NSI using anthropometry and/or biomarkers remains challenging due to lack of sensitivity. For agriculture NSI in particular, researchers increasingly recommend using indicators that assess dietary changes that lie on the causal pathway to improved biological indicators. We aimed to identify tools and indicators that can be used to assess the impact of agriculture-focused NSI on the diets of women and children. MethodsUsing Pubmed, Web of Science, and Agricola, we conducted a systematic search of the literature for NSI that assessed the impact on the diet of women and children (under 18 years) and were published after 2010. Twenty-three studies representing unique NSI or programs met inclusion/exclusion criteria. We systematically abstracted data from these studies into a standardized form. ResultsIncluded NSI were conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa (n = 18), South Asia (n = 3), Southeast Asia (n = 3), and Latin America (n = 1), with one conducted in three regions. The most common tools were food frequency questionnaires, 24-hour recalls, and household inventories. Dietary diversity (DD) scores were the most common indicators. These varied on the number of items and the duration of the recall period and included household DD (n = 7), women’s DD (n = 5) and children’s DD (n = 11); twelve studies assessed more than one outcome. Other indicators of children’s diet, such as meal frequency, number of foods or food groups consumed, or minimum acceptable diet were assessed in nine NSI. Two and four studies reported nutrient intakes in women and children, respectively. ConclusionsDiet assessment tools and indicators have been used successfully to assess the impact of NSI. We recommend including these measurement tools as part of the monitoring and evaluation of NSI, in particular DD was a frequently used indicator that was sensitive to the interventions. It will also be important to improve the reporting of the method used to improve interpretability and comparison across studies. Funding SourcesSupported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

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Perception of Hunger/Satiety and Nutrient Intake in Women Who Regain Weight in the Postoperative Period After Bariatric Surgery.

To investigate the perception of hunger and satiety and its association with nutrient intake in women who regain weight in the postoperative period after bariatric surgery. Cross-sectional study of adult women divided into three groups: weight regain (n = 20), stable weight (n = 20) (both at least 24months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery), and non-operated obesity (n = 20). A visual analogue scale measured hunger/satiety perception while fasting, immediately after finishing a test meal, and 180min after finishing the test meal. The incremental area above or under the curve was calculated. Food intake was analyzed by 3days of food recall and adjusted for intraindividual variation. To make between-group comparisons, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and independent-samples T tests and Pearson's correlation were used. There were no between-group differences in incremental areas of hunger/satiety, but protein intake was significantly lower among patients who regained weight compared with those who had stable body weight (0.99 ± 0.23g/kg body weight vs. 1.17 ± 0.21g/kg body weight, p = 0.047). In the group that regained weight, satiety was correlated positively with usual dietary protein density (r = 0.541; p = 0.017) and negatively with usual carbohydrate intake (r = - 0.663; p = 0.002). Women who regained weight presented similar perceptions of hunger/satiety to those of patients without weight regain and with non-operated obesity. In patients who regained weight postoperatively, satiety perception was correlated positively with usual dietary protein density and inversely with usual carbohydrate intake.

Determination of nutrient adequacy of the food catered in the child care homes (CCHs) of Sunsari district

Summary Malnutrition continues to be a primary cause of ill health and mortality among school age orphan and vulnerable children in developing countries. Objective: Determination of nutrient adequacy of the food catered in the child care homes of Sunsari district. Methods: Weighing method was used for determining the amount of food eaten. T-test and bivariate spearman correlation coefficients were used to compare the nutrient intake with respective RDA and to determine the association between nutrient intake and malnutrition respectively. Results: The study revealed, 33.82% and 17.39% of study population were stunted and underweight respectively. Equal percentages (7.81%) of study population were overweight and thin. Probability of calorie and protein adequacy was found in 52.94% and 89.71% of study population in CCHs. Calcium intake of all children and adolescent were found to be below their RDA. Cereals contributed the highest amount by weight (355.3 g) and proportion (39%) to the total diet for the study population in CCHs. Fruits 1% (12.9 g) and additional oil 2% (20.9 g) made a small contribution to the study population dietary intake. Fish and eggs were completely lacking in their diet. Probability of iron inadequacy was found in 80.9% of study population in CCHs.

Food intake of women with gestational diabetes mellitus, in accordance with two methods of dietary guidance: a randomised controlled clinical trial.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the food intake of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) according to two methods of dietary guidance. A randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted by appointment with a nutritionist and by using data from hospital records (2011-2014). The study population comprised adult women diagnosed with GDM treated in a public maternity hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The control group (CG) received nutritional advice by the traditional method and the intervention group (IG) were instructed on carbohydrate counting. The analysis of food intake and the consumption of processed foods (PF) and ultra-processed foods (UPF) were evaluated in the second and third trimester. A total of 286 pregnant women were initially assessed (145 in the CG and 141 in the IG). It was observed that 89/120 (74·2 %) and 183/229 (79·9 %) consumed PF daily in the second and third trimesters, respectively, whereas 117/120 (97·5 %) and 225/231 (97·4 %) consumed UPF daily in the second and third trimesters, respectively. When analysing the intake of macronutrients (%) by quartiles, women who had fat intake in the third quartile had the highest average postprandial blood glucose compared with those who consumed fat in the second quartile (P=0·02). The consumption of PF and UPF was high and dietary intake was similar in both groups, regardless of dietary guidance method deployed, suggesting that both methods tested in the study can be used for monitoring the nutritional status of pregnant women with GDM.

The association of conformity to feminine norms with women's food consumption after a negative mood induction

The current study examined the relation between women's food intake and their conformity to feminine norms after a negative mood induction, as well as the potential moderating role of expressive suppression. Female participants (N = 197) watched a sad movie clip, partook in a taste test in which they consumed potato chips and chocolate, and completed a survey with questions designed to assess conformity to feminine norms and the use of expressive suppression in daily life. Regression analyses revealed that increased conformity to the feminine norm of modesty was associated with reduced food intake, whereas conformity to the feminine norms of thinness and appearance were not. Expressive suppression did not moderate any of these relations. Overall, this study affirms the importance of understanding how overarching cultural norms such as femininity influence women's food consumption.

Plate-clearing tendencies and portion size are independently associated with main meal food intake in women: A laboratory study

BackgroundLarger portion sizes of food promote increased food intake, although the mechanisms explaining the portion size effect are unclear. In the present study we examined whether the tendency to clear one's plate when eating is associated with greater food intake in response to larger portion size. MethodWe recruited female participants who were either self-reported habitual plate clearers (N = 48) or non-plate clearers (N = 41) into a laboratory study. In a between-subjects design, participants were served either a ‘normal’ (500 g) or ‘large’ (1000 g) portion of pasta for lunch and ate as much as they desired. ResultsThere was no significant interaction found between portion size and plate-clearing tendencies; portion size had a similar sized effect on food intake in both plate clearers and non-plate clearers. A significant main effect of portion size was found, whereby participants consumed significantly more when served the large versus the normal portion (100.55 g difference, p < .001, ηp2 = 0.16). There was also a significant main effect of plate clearing; participants with a tendency to clear their plate when eating consumed significantly more than non-plate clearers (68.21 g difference, p = .006, ηp2 = 0.08). ConclusionsThe tendency to clear one's plate when eating was associated with increased food intake during a lunchtime meal. Increasing the portion size of the lunchtime meal increased food intake, although the tendency for a larger portion size to increase food intake was observed irrespective of participant plate-clearing tendencies.