Energy density of foods affects energy intake in normal-weight women.
This study examined the effect of energy density, independent of fat content and palatability, on food and energy intakes. With use of a within-subjects design, normal-weight women (n = 18) were provided with meals for 2 d during each of three test sessions. During lunch, dinner, and an evening snack, subjects were given free access to a main entree varying in energy density (low, medium, or high). The manipulated main entrees were similar in palatability to their counterparts across conditions. Low-energy compulsory (consumption required) side dishes accompanied each meal. Subjects also consumed a standard, compulsory breakfast. Results showed that subjects consumed a similar amount of food (by weight) across the three conditions of energy density. Thus, significantly more energy was consumed in the condition of high energy density (7532 +/- 363 kJ, or 1800 +/- 86 kcal) than in the medium- (6356 +/- 281 kJ, or 1519 +/- 67 kcal) and low- (5756 +/- 178 kJ, or 1376 +/- 43 kcal) energy-density conditions (P < 0.0001). There were no differences in hunger or fullness before meals, after meals, or over the 2 d across conditions. The results from this study indicate that energy density affects energy intake independent of macronutrient content or palatability, suggesting that the overconsumption of high-fat foods may be due to their high energy density rather than to their fat content.
Bell
E A
EA
Nutrition Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA.
Castellanos
V H
VH
Pelkman
C L
CL
Thorwart
M L
ML
Rolls
B J
BJ
D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006815:Hunger; D008875:Middle Aged; D010684:Philosophy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires