The role of taste thresholds in the physiopathology and the management of overweight and obesity has been scantly investigated and the few data available are rather contradictory. We investigated the relationship between taste sensitivity and nutritional status. The possible implications on the outcome of a weight loss program have been also considered. Sensitivity for bitter, sweet, salty and sour tastes was assessed by the three-Alternative-Forced-Choice (3-AFC) method in 41 overweight (OW) and 52 obese (OB) patients and 56 normal-weight matched controls (age range 18-64 years). OW and OB were assessed also for body composition (by impedence), resting energy expenditure (REE by indirect calorimetry) and presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and were prescribed a weight loss diet. Adherence and compliance to the program were defined as drop-out since the next visit and weight loss of at least 5% in 3 months, respectively. Sex and age-adjusted linear regression analysis revealed a direct independent association between BMI and the threshold for sour taste. This association was also confirmed after restricting the analysis to OW/OB group. Similarly, MetS was associated with lower sensitivity for salt even after adjusting for BMI. Finally, early drop-out (n=29) and successful weight-loss (n=37) appeared unrelated to sensory capabilities. In conclusion, although taste sensitivity appears in some measure related to weight excess and metabolic derangements we cannot argue for a cause-effect relationship. Moreover, the assessment of taste thresholds does not seem useful in predicting the outcome of a diet-induced weight loss program.

Taste sensitivity in weight excess and management / M. Laureati, V. Bergamaschi, S. Bertoli, A. Battezzati, E. Pagliarini. ((Intervento presentato al 16. convegno International Symposium on Olfaction and Taste (ISOT) tenutosi a Stoccolma (Svezia) nel 2012.

Taste sensitivity in weight excess and management

M. Laureati;V. Bergamaschi;S. Bertoli;A. Battezzati
Penultimo
;
E. Pagliarini
2012

Abstract

The role of taste thresholds in the physiopathology and the management of overweight and obesity has been scantly investigated and the few data available are rather contradictory. We investigated the relationship between taste sensitivity and nutritional status. The possible implications on the outcome of a weight loss program have been also considered. Sensitivity for bitter, sweet, salty and sour tastes was assessed by the three-Alternative-Forced-Choice (3-AFC) method in 41 overweight (OW) and 52 obese (OB) patients and 56 normal-weight matched controls (age range 18-64 years). OW and OB were assessed also for body composition (by impedence), resting energy expenditure (REE by indirect calorimetry) and presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and were prescribed a weight loss diet. Adherence and compliance to the program were defined as drop-out since the next visit and weight loss of at least 5% in 3 months, respectively. Sex and age-adjusted linear regression analysis revealed a direct independent association between BMI and the threshold for sour taste. This association was also confirmed after restricting the analysis to OW/OB group. Similarly, MetS was associated with lower sensitivity for salt even after adjusting for BMI. Finally, early drop-out (n=29) and successful weight-loss (n=37) appeared unrelated to sensory capabilities. In conclusion, although taste sensitivity appears in some measure related to weight excess and metabolic derangements we cannot argue for a cause-effect relationship. Moreover, the assessment of taste thresholds does not seem useful in predicting the outcome of a diet-induced weight loss program.
giu-2012
Settore AGR/15 - Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari
Settore BIO/09 - Fisiologia
Taste sensitivity in weight excess and management / M. Laureati, V. Bergamaschi, S. Bertoli, A. Battezzati, E. Pagliarini. ((Intervento presentato al 16. convegno International Symposium on Olfaction and Taste (ISOT) tenutosi a Stoccolma (Svezia) nel 2012.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/228374
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