Physical & chemical characteristics of food & satiety: How much?
Sensory attributes of foods and beverages play an important role in eating behaviour. For example, the volume of foods can affect different aspects of feeding behavior. Overall, study results consistently demonstrate that texture, viscosity and volume affect different aspects of feeding behaviour, for example, ratings of hunger and fullness.
How much?
Water or even air incorporated into food has been shown to decrease energy intake. A study carried out by Rolls (18), in which the volume of milk-shakes was altered by incorporating air, has demonstrated the effect of volume alone, and confirmed that a significant increase in volume (> 150 ml) did transiently reduce the subjective appetite, and the food intake at a meal served 30 minutes later.
Increasing the volume of a food by diluting the food increases its weight and reduces its energy density. Davy (19) showed that a water preload decreased intake at a breakfast test meal. Addition of water to increase volume of food, or giving water or soup as a “preload” before a meal, increases immediate feelings of satiety and decreases subsequent food intake, even if the effects of simple additions are generally very short-lasting (20, 21, 22).
References:
Rolls BJ, Bell EA et al. (1999). Water incorporated into a food but not served with a food decreases energy intake in lean women. Am J Clin Nutr 70(4):448-455.
Davy BM1, Dennis EA, Dengo AL et al (2008). Water consumption reduces energy intake at a breakfast meal in obese older adults. J Am Diet Assoc. Jul;108(7):1236-9.
Kirkmeyer SV, Mattes RD (2000). Effects of food attributes on hunger and food intake. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 24(9):1167-1175.
Himaya A, Louis-Sylvestre J (1998). The effect of soup on satiation. Appetite 30(2):199-210.
Lappalainen R, Mennen L et al. (1993). Drinking water with a meal: a simple method of coping with feelings of hunger, satiety and desire to eat. Eur J Clin Nutr 47(11):815-819.
