A Healthy Diet Intervention Alters Food Preferences and Eating Behaviours Without Changing Appetite, Adipokines or Glucose Homoeostasis

Abstract

Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the influence of a 12-week Mediterranean dietary pattern on eating behaviours, food preferences, appetite, satiety, hunger hormones, adipokines and glucose homoeostasis. Methods: This study is nested within the He Rourou Whai Painga (HRWP) trial. Adults with a high risk of metabolic disease (waist circumference–based metabolic score, MetSSS score ≥ 0.35) participated in the mixed-meal challenge before and after a 12-week dietary intervention. Questionnaire assessments included the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and the Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire (LFPQ). Visual analogue scales (VAS) were used to measure subjective appetite sensations. Blood was drawn in the fasting state and at 15-, 30-, 60-, 90- and 120-min postmeal. The following peptides, hormones and metabolic markers were analysed: adiponectin, ghrelin, leptin, peptide YY (PYY), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), glucose, insulin and C-peptide concentrations. Results: There was a significant decrease in uncontrolled eating (UE, p value = 0.0226) and an increase in cognitive restraint (CR, p value = 0.0004) following the intervention diet. Implicit desire for high-fat savoury foods, low-fat savoury foods and fat-appeal bias was significantly reduced after the intervention diet. None of the peptides or metabolic markers changed significantly after the intervention diet. Even though glucose, insulin and C-peptide levels decreased following the diet intervention, none of the values reached statistical significance. Conclusion: A healthy diet intervention alters food preferences and eating behaviours without changing appetite, adipokines or glucose homoeostasis. Trial Registration: Australia New Zealand Trial Registry: ACTRN12622000906752.