Normal-weight individuals experience an increased drive to eat and greater meal-satiety response in response to weight-loss: results from the NUTRILEX project

While there is an increasing prevalence of individuals with "normal weight" engaged in diet-induced weight loss, few studies have examined the effects of these practices on appetitive profile in this population. This study aimed to explore energy intake, appetite sensations, food reward, and eating behaviour profile in response to diet-induced weight loss in males and females with normal weight. We hypothesized that normal-weight individuals would experience an increase in appetite feelings and food reward in response to weight loss. Participants completed experimental visits at baseline (T0, n = 35), after 3% WL (T1, n = 32), and 6% WL (T2, n = 18). Energy intake was measured by a 3-day food record and eating behaviour profile by validated questionnaires. Food reward was assessed in a fasted state using the Leeds Food Preferences Questionnaire. Subjective appetite sensations were measured before and after a standardized meal using visual analogue scales and satiety quotients were calculated. Fasting hunger and desire to eat increased at T1 (p < 0.01) and T2 (p < 0.001) while satiety quotients were improved at T1 (p < 0.05) and T2 (p < 0.001) compared to T0. At T2, while there was an increased explicit wanting for high-fat savoury foods compared to T0 (p < 0.001), correlation analyses showed that higher fat mass loss, increased cognitive restraint, and decreased energy intake were associated with greater changes in food reward (|Rho| > 0.45, p < 0.05). To conclude, diet-induced weight loss generated a rise in drive to eat accompanied by a greater meal-induced satiety in individuals with normal weight.