Basic taste sensitivity, eating behaviour, and propensity of dairy foods of preadolescent children: How are they related?

Background: Taste sensitivity has been reported to influence children’s eating behaviour and contribute to their food preferences and intake. This study aimed to investigate the associations between taste sensitivity and eating behaviour in preadolescents. Methods: Children’s taste sensitivity was measured by detection threshold with five different concentration levels of sweetness (sucrose), sourness (citric acid), saltiness (sodium chloride), bitterness (caffeine, quinine), and umami (monosodium glutamate). In addition, the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ), the Food Propensity Questionnaire (FPQ), and the children’s body weight and height were completed by the parents. Children conducted the sensory evaluation test at schools while parents completed the questionnaires online. Results: A total of 69 child-parent dyads participated. Taste sensitivity was significantly associated with eating behaviour in food responsiveness, emotional overeating, and desire to drink. Children who were less sensitive to caffeine bitterness (higher detection threshold) had higher food responsiveness scores, while those who were less sensitive to sweetness and caffeine bitterness had higher emotional overeating scores. In addition, children who were less sensitive to sourness and bitterness of both caffeine and quinine demonstrated to have higher scores in desire to drink. There was no association between taste sensitivity and FPQ, but significant differences were observed across children’s body mass index (BMI) regarding their FPQ of dairy food items, indicating higher consumption of low-fat milk in the overweight/obese compared to the normal-weight subjects. There was no significant difference in taste sensitivity according to BMI. Children’s eating behaviour differed across BMI, demonstrating a positive association between BMI and food approach, and a negative association between BMI and food avoidance. Conclusions: This study contributes to the preliminary understanding of the relationships between taste sensitivity and eating behaviour in preadolescents which could be used to develop effective strategies to promote healthy eating practices in children by considering their taste sensitivity.

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Obese Women Have Lower Monosodium Glutamate Taste Sensitivity and Prefer Higher Concentrations Than Do Normal-weight Women

Obesity ◽

10.1038/oby.2009.493 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 959-965 ◽

Cited By ~ 99

Author(s):

M. Yanina Pepino ◽

Susana Finkbeiner ◽

Gary K. Beauchamp ◽

Julie A. Mennella

Keyword(s):

Monosodium Glutamate ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Taste Sensitivity ◽

Obese Women

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Taste Sensitivity and Taste Preference among Malay Children Aged 7 to 12 Years in Kuala Lumpur—A Pilot Study

Pediatric Reports ◽

10.3390/pediatric13020034 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 245-256

Author(s):

Ler Sheang Lim ◽

Xian Hui Tang ◽

Wai Yew Yang ◽

Shu Hwa Ong ◽

Nenad Naumovski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Weight Status ◽

Food Preferences ◽

Taste Preference ◽

Sweet Taste ◽

Food Samples ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Taste Sensitivity ◽

Kuala Lumpur ◽

Control Study

The taste and food preferences in children can affect their food intake and body weight. Bitter and sweet taste sensitivities were identified as primary taste contributors to children’s preference for consuming various foods. This pilot study aimed to determine the taste sensitivity and preference for bitter and sweet tastes in a sample of Malaysian children. A case–control study was conducted among 15 pairs of Malay children aged 7 to 12 years. Seven solutions at different concentrations of 6-n-propylthiouracil and sucrose were prepared for testing bitterness and sweet sensitivity, respectively. The intensity of both bitter and sweet sensitivity was measured using a 100 mm Labelled Magnitude Scale (LMS), while the taste preference was rated using a 5-point Likert scale. The participants were better at identifying bitter than sweet taste (median score 6/7 vs. 4/7). No significant differences were detected for both tastes between normal-weight and overweight groups [bitter: 350 vs. 413, p = 0.273; sweet: 154 vs. 263, p = 0.068], as well as in Likert readings (bitter 9 vs. 8: p = 0.490; sweet 22 vs. 22: p = 0.677). In this sample of Malay children, the participants were more sensitive to bitterness than sweetness, yet presented similar taste sensitivity and preference irrespective of their weight status. Future studies using whole food samples are warranted to better characterize potential taste sensitivity and preference in children.

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Eating behaviour and retro-nasal aroma release in normal-weight and overweight adults: a pilot study

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114511000146 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 106 (2) ◽

pp. 297-306 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Nicolien Zijlstra ◽

Andrea Johanna Bukman ◽

Monica Mars ◽

Annette Stafleu ◽

Rianne M. A. J. Ruijschop ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Intake ◽

Weight Status ◽

Eating Behaviour ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Eating Rate ◽

Eating Behaviours ◽

Aroma Release ◽

Bite Size ◽

Significant Difference

Eating rate and bite size are important factors affecting food intake, and we hypothesise the underlying role of oral sensory exposure in this. However, the latter currently lacks objective measuring parameters, but an interesting measure could be the extent ofin vivoretro-nasal aroma release. Second, the literature is ambiguous about overweight subjects differing from normal-weight subjects in eating behaviour. Consequently, we investigated: (1) whether eating behaviour (food intake, eating rate, bite size, number of bites and meal duration) relates to weight status and (2) whether the extent of retro-nasal aroma release relates to eating behaviour and weight status. A matched group (sex, age and dietary restraint) of twenty-seven normal-weight (BMI 21·8 (sd1·6) kg/m2) and twenty-seven overweight/obese subjects (BMI 30·5 (sd5·8) kg/m2) consumed a spiced rice meal and apple pie yogurt on separate test days. The extent of retro-nasal aroma release was measured on a third test day. Mean bite size for spiced rice was significantly (P = 0·03) larger in overweight/obese (10·3 (sd3·2) g)v.normal-weight subjects (8·7 (sd2·1) g). There were no other significant differences in eating behaviour or retro-nasal aroma release between the groups. Eating behaviours were not correlated with BMI or retro-nasal aroma release. Subjects showed consistent eating behaviour for both test products. Eating behaviour might be a characteristic of an individual but not by definition a characteristic for a group of people based on their weight. Given the large sample sizes, necessary according toa posteriorisample size calculations, one needs to consider the relevance of finding a statistically significant difference in eating behaviour between the weight groups in a laboratory setting.

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General Decrease of Taste Sensitivity Is Related to Increase of BMI: A Simple Method to Monitor Eating Behavior

Disease Markers ◽

10.1155/2019/2978026 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Arianna Vignini ◽

Francesca Borroni ◽

Jacopo Sabbatinelli ◽

Sofia Pugnaloni ◽

Sonila Alia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rapeseed Oil ◽

Weight Maintenance ◽

Positive Association ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Taste Sensitivity ◽

Simple Method ◽

Obese Subjects ◽

The Relationship ◽

Higher Sensitivity

Background and Objectives. The present study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between taste identification ability and body mass index (BMI) by studying the response to the administration of different taste stimuli to both sides of the tongue in three different groups of subjects. Subjects and Methods. Thirty healthy normal-weight volunteers, 19 healthy overweight subjects, and 22 obese subjects were enrolled. For each subject, the lateralization Oldfield score, body weight, height, and blood pressure were determined. The taste test is based on filter paper strips soaked with 4 taste stimuli presented at different concentrations to evoke 4 basic taste qualities (salty, sour, sweet, and bitter); pure rapeseed oil and water were also administered to evoke fat and neutral taste qualities. The stimuli were applied to each side of the protruded tongue. Subjects were asked to identify the taste from a list of eight descriptions according to a multiple choice paradigm. Results. The results showed a general lowering of taste sensitivity with the increase of BMI, except for the taste of fat with rapeseed oil as the stimulus. Other variables affecting taste sensitivity are age (negative association), gender (women generally show higher sensitivity), and taste stimuli concentration (positive association). Conclusions. Our findings could provide important insights into how new therapies could be designed for weight loss and long-term weight maintenance and how diets could be planned combining the correct caloric and nutritional supply with individual taste preferences.

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Relationship between Eating Patterns and Body Composition among Young Females in Qatar

University of the Future: Re-Imagining Research and Higher Education ◽

10.29117/quarfe.2020.0219 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Fatma Elsayed ◽

Aram Alhammadi ◽

Alanood Alahmad ◽

Zahra Babiker ◽

Abdelhamid Kerkadi

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Dietary Patterns ◽

Fast Food ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Communicable Disease ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Female Students ◽

Eating Patterns ◽

Young Females ◽

Significant Difference

The prevalence of obesity has been increased in Qatar, with the transition from healthy to unhealthy dietary habits. Behavioral factors that are associated with obesity are, long-term imbalanced energy intake, high screen time, skipping breakfast and physical inactivity. Changes in body composition and percent body fat (PBF) increase the risk of non-communicable disease. This study is the first study conducted in Qatar to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and body composition among young females at Qatar University. This cross-sectional study consisted of 766 healthy female students Qatari and non-Qatari aged from 18-26 years randomly selected from different colleges at Qatar University. A validate questionnaire was used in order to collect data about healthy and unhealthy dietary patterns. Anthropometric measurements involved body weight, height, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and body composition using “Seca285”, “Seca203” and “InbodyBiospace 720”. Dietary patterns were identified by using factor loading. Linear regression was used to estimate confidence intervals and regression coefficient. More than half of the participants had a normal weight (65.1%), whereas 22.8 % and 12.0% were overweight and obese, respectively. Fat mass, BMI and PBF were slightly increased with age, but there was no significant difference. Factor analysis identified two dietary patterns: unhealthy patterns and healthy patterns. The frequent intake of vegetables and fruits was significant among high PBF female students (p=0.045 and p=0.001, respectively). The frequent intake of fast food was higher for overweight female students but there was no significant difference (p=0.289), whereas, the frequent intake of sweetened beverages was associated with higher significant rate of normal weight among female students (p = 0.009). No significant relation was found between dietary patterns, BMI and PBF. In conclusion, body composition is not significantly associated with healthy and unhealthy eating patterns among young females.

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Differences in Salivary Proteins as a Function of PROP Taster Status and Gender in Normal Weight and Obese Subjects

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26082244 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (8) ◽

pp. 2244

Author(s):

Melania Melis ◽

Mariano Mastinu ◽

Stefano Pintus ◽

Tiziana Cabras ◽

Roberto Crnjar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Preferences ◽

Specific Weight ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Nutrition Status ◽

Salivary Proteins ◽

Specific Proteins ◽

Obese Subjects ◽

And Gender ◽

Cystatin Sn

Taste plays an important role in processes such as food choices, nutrition status and health. Salivary proteins contribute to taste sensitivity. Taste reduction has been associated with obesity. Gender influences the obesity predisposition and the genetic ability to perceive the bitterness of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), oral marker for food preferences and consumption. We investigated variations in the profile of salivary proteome, analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS, between sixty-one normal weight subjects (NW) and fifty-seven subjects with obesity (OB), based on gender and PROP sensitivity. Results showed variations of taste-related salivary proteins between NW and OB, which were differently associated with gender and PROP sensitivity. High levels of Ps-1, II-2 and IB-1 proteins belonging to basic proline rich proteins (bPRPs) and PRP-1 protein belonging to acid proline rich proteins (aPRPs) were found in OB males, who showed a lower body mass index (BMI) than OB females. High levels of Ps-1 protein and Cystatin SN (Cyst SN) were found in OB non-tasters, who had lower BMI than OB super-tasters. These new insights on the role of salivary proteins as a factor driving the specific weight gain of OB females and super-tasters, suggest the use of specific proteins as a strategic tool modifying taste responses related to eating behavior.

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The Role of Obesity in Predicting the Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19

Obesity Facts ◽

10.1159/000517180 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Serdar Sahin ◽

Havva Sezer ◽

Ebru Cicek ◽

Yeliz Yagız Ozogul ◽

Murat Yildirim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Study Groups ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Care Providers ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Group D

Introduction: The aim of this was to describe the predictors of mortality related to COVID-19 infection and to evaluate the association between overweight, obesity, and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. Methods: We included the patients >18 years of age, with at least one positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Patients were grouped according to body mass index values as normal weight <25 kg/m2 (Group A), overweight from 25 to <30 kg/m2 (Group B), Class I obesity 30 to <35 kg/m2 (Group C), and ≥35 kg/m2 (Group D). Mortality, clinical outcomes, laboratory parameters, and comorbidities were compared among 4 groups. Results: There was no significant difference among study groups in terms of mortality. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation requirement was higher in group B and D than group A, while it was higher in Group D than Group C (Group B vs. Group A [p = 0.017], Group D vs. Group A [p = 0.001], and Group D vs. Group C [p = 0.016]). Lung involvement was less common in Group A, and presence of hypoxia was more common in Group D (Group B vs. Group A [p = 0.025], Group D vs. Group A [p < 0.001], Group D vs. Group B [p = 0.006], and Group D vs. Group C [p = 0.014]). The hospitalization rate was lower in Group A than in the other groups; in addition, patients in Group D have the highest rate of hospitalization (Group B vs. Group A [p < 0.001], Group C vs. Group A [p < 0.001], Group D vs. Group A [p < 0.001], Group D vs. Group B [p < 0.001], and Group D vs. Group C [p = 0.010]). Conclusion: COVID-19 patients with overweight and obesity presented with more severe clinical findings. Health-care providers should take into account that people living with overweight and obesity are at higher risk for COVID-19 and its complications.

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OP0220 ASSESSING THE EFFECT OF INCREASED BODY MASS INDEX ON RESPONSE TO TNF INHIBITORS IN ESTABLISHED RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: RESULTS FROM THE METEOR DATABASE

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.1084 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 137.1-137

Author(s):

M. Dey ◽

S. S. Zhao ◽

R. J. Moots ◽

R. B. M. Landewé ◽

N. Goodson

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Body Mass ◽

Personalised Medicine ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Established Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Eular Response ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Das28 Remission

Background:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased body mass index (BMI)- 60% of patients are either overweight or obese. Obesity in RA has been shown to predict reduced response to biologic therapy including tumour-necrosis-factor inhibitors (TNFi) [1]. However, it is not clear whether increased BMI influences response to all TNFi drugs in RA.Objectives:1.To explore whether BMI is associated with response to TNFi in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (estRA), including those newly-starting on these drugs.Methods:Participants with estRA (>1year since diagnosis) taking biologic medications, registered on METEOR (international database of RA patients), 2008-2013, were included. EULAR response, DAS28 remission (including components), and treatment regimens were recorded at baseline, 6, and 12 months. WHO definitions of overweight (BMI≥ 25) and obese (BMI≥30) were explored as predictors of TNFi response (good EULAR response and DAS28 remission) using normal BMI as comparator. Logistic and linear regression models (controlling for age, gender, smoking, and baseline outcomes) and sensitivity analyses were performed. Subgroup analyses were performed for grouped TNFi and individual TNFi (infliximab, IFX; adalimumab, ADA; etanercept, ETN).Results:247 patients with estRA were taking a biologic at 6 months, and 231 patients were taking a biologic at 12 months. Obese patients taking any biologic were significantly less likely to achieve DAS28 remission (OR 0.33 [95%CI 0.12-0.80]) or good EULAR response (OR 0.37 [95%CI 0.16-0.81]) after 6 months, compared to those of normal BMI; this was also demonstrated in those co-prescribed methotrexate (DAS28 remission: OR 0.23 [95%CI 0.07-0.62]; good EULAR response: OR 0.39 [95%CI 0.15-0.92]). These associations did not remain statistically significant at the 12 months assessment.Regarding specific anti-TNF therapies, RA patients treated with monoclonal antibody (-mab) TNFis (IFX/ADA/ GOL) were significantly less likely to achieve good EULAR response at 6 months if they were obese RA (n=38), compared to those of normal weight (n=44) (OR 0.17 [95%CI 0.03-0.59]). A similar non-significant difference was demonstrated for DAS28 remission, and 12-month remission. Specifically, obese individuals were significantly less likely to achieve good EULAR response at 6 months with IFX (OR 0.09 [95%CI 0.00-0.61]; n=20), and significantly less likely to achieve DAS28 remission at 6 months when newly-starting ADA (OR 0.14 [95%CI 0.01-0.96]; n=17), compared to those of normal weight. There were no significant differences in remission outcomes between individuals of different BMI taking ETN. A small number of individuals stopped taking their respective biologic after 6months; reason for cessation was not recorded.Similar outcomes were seen in patients already established on anti-TNF therapy, with overweight and obese individuals less likely overall to be in DAS28 remission at all time points.Conclusion:In established RA, obesity is associated with reduced treatment response to -mab TNFi. No association between increased BMI and response to ETA was observed. Using BMI to direct biologic drug choice could prove to be a simple and cost-effective personalised-medicine approach to prescribing.References:[1]Schäfer M, Meißner Y, Kekow J, Berger S, Remstedt S, Manger B, et al. Obesity reduces the real-world effectiveness of cytokine-targeted but not cell-targeted disease-modifying agents in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology. 2019 Nov 20.Disclosure of Interests:Mrinalini Dey: None declared, Sizheng Steven Zhao: None declared, Robert J Moots: None declared, Robert B.M. Landewé Consultant of: AbbVie; AstraZeneca; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Eli Lilly & Co.; Galapagos NV; Novartis; Pfizer; UCB Pharma, Nicola Goodson: None declared

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Telomere Length as a Biomarker for Race-Related Health Disparities

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes12010078 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 78

Author(s):

Vaithinathan Selvaraju ◽

Megan Phillips ◽

Anna Fouty ◽

Jeganathan Ramesh Babu ◽

Thangiah Geetha

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Telomere Length ◽

Diastolic Pressure ◽

Systolic Pressure ◽

Single Copy ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Length Ratio ◽

Hierarchical Regression ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Usa

Disparities between the races have been well documented in health and disease in the USA. Recent studies show that telomere length, a marker of aging, is associated with obesity and obesity-related diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. The current study aimed to evaluate the connection between telomere length ratio, blood pressure, and childhood obesity. The telomere length ratio was measured in 127 children from both European American (EA) and African American (AA) children, aged 6–10 years old. AA children had a significantly high relative telomere to the single copy gene (T/S) ratio compared to EA children. There was no significant difference in the T/S ratio between normal weight (NW) and overweight/obese (OW/OB) groups of either race. Blood pressure was significantly elevated in AA children with respect to EA children. Hierarchical regression analysis adjusted for race, gender, and age expressed a significant relationship between the T/S ratio and diastolic pressure. Low T/S ratio participants showed a significant increase in systolic pressure, while a high T/S ratio group showed an increase in diastolic pressure and heart rate of AA children. In conclusion, our findings show that AA children have high T/S ratio compared to EA children. The high T/S ratio is negatively associated with diastolic pressure.

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Body mass index and clinical outcomes in patients with intracerebral haemorrhage: results from the China Stroke Center Alliance

Stroke and Vascular Neurology ◽

10.1136/svn-2020-000534 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. svn-2020-000534

Author(s):

Zhentang Cao ◽

Xinmin Liu ◽

Zixiao Li ◽

Hongqiu Gu ◽

Yingyu Jiang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Hospital Mortality ◽

Body Mass ◽

Intracerebral Haemorrhage ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Discharge Disposition ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Stroke Center

Background and aimObesity paradox has aroused increasing concern in recent years. However, impact of obesity on outcomes in intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate association of body mass index (BMI) with in-hospital mortality, complications and discharge disposition in ICH.MethodsData were from 85 705 ICH enrolled in the China Stroke Center Alliance study. Patients were divided into four groups: underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese according to Asian-Pacific criteria. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes included non-routine discharge disposition and in-hospital complications. Discharge to graded II or III hospital, community hospital or rehabilitation facilities was considered non-routine disposition. Multivariable logistic regression analysed association of BMI with outcomes.Results82 789 patients with ICH were included in the final analysis. Underweight (OR=2.057, 95% CI 1.193 to 3.550) patients had higher odds of in-hospital mortality than those with normal weight after adjusting for covariates, but no significant difference was observed for patients who were overweight or obese. No significant association was found between BMI and non-disposition. Underweight was associated with increased odds of several complications, including pneumonia (OR 1.343, 95% CI 1.138 to 1.584), poor swallow function (OR 1.351, 95% CI 1.122 to 1.628) and urinary tract infection (OR 1.532, 95% CI 1.064 to 2.204). Moreover, obese patients had higher odds of haematoma expansion (OR 1.326, 95% CI 1.168 to 1.504), deep vein thrombosis (OR 1.506, 95% CI 1.165 to 1.947) and gastrointestinal bleeding (OR 1.257, 95% CI 1.027 to 1.539).ConclusionsIn patients with ICH, being underweight was associated with increased in-hospital mortality. Being underweight and obese can both increased risk of in-hospital complications compared with having normal weight.

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