Plain language summary
Long-term regulation of body weight is controlled by balancing energy intake with energy expenditure. Understanding the role of specific food items and their impact on energy intake may assist in promoting weight reduction and weight loss maintenance for people with obesity. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of eating almonds or a carbohydrate-based snack on appetite-regulating hormones, self-reported appetite ratings, and short-term energy intake. This study is based on data obtained from a parallel arm randomised controlled trial. Participants were males and females, aged between 25 and 65 years who were randomly assigned to either the almond or the snack bar treatment groups based on age, sex and body mass index. Results show that the consumption of almonds resulted in a smaller C-peptide response and a larger glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide [pancreatic hormone], glucagon-like peptide 1 [peptide hormone] (timepoint comparisons only), glucagon and pancreatic polypeptide response compared to consuming an isocaloric carbohydrate-rich snack bar. Furthermore, although not significant, the almond group consumed 300 kJ less energy in the meal challenge, 270 kJ of which came from discretionary foods, which may be a clinically important benefit in weight management. Authors conclude that foods that promote satiety help to regulate energy balance and may assist with weight management. However, future studies should consider testing food dose and composition carefully as the volume of food, its sensory qualities, and the acceptance of the food respective of usual meal patterns, may be important in eliciting a feeling of fullness and satisfaction.
Abstract
PURPOSE Early satiety has been identified as one of the mechanisms that may explain the beneficial effects of nuts for reducing obesity. This study compared postprandial changes in appetite-regulating hormones and self-reported appetite ratings after consuming almonds (AL, 15% of energy requirement) or an isocaloric carbohydrate-rich snack bar (SB). METHODS This is a sub-analysis of baseline assessments of a larger parallel-arm randomised controlled trial in overweight and obese (Body Mass Index 27.5-34.9 kg/m2) adults (25-65 years). After an overnight fast, 140 participants consumed a randomly allocated snack (AL [n = 68] or SB [n = 72]). Appetite-regulating hormones and self-reported appetite sensations, measured using visual analogue scales, were assessed immediately before snack food consumption, and at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min following snack consumption. A sub-set of participants (AL, n = 49; SB, n = 48) then consumed a meal challenge buffet ad libitum to assess subsequent energy intake. An additional appetite rating assessment was administered post buffet at 150 min. RESULTS Postprandial C-peptide area under the curve (AUC) response was 47% smaller with AL compared to SB (p < 0.001). Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, glucagon and pancreatic polypeptide AUC responses were larger with AL compared to SB (18%, p = 0.005; 39% p < 0.001; 45% p < 0.001 respectively). Cholecystokinin, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1, leptin and polypeptide YY AUCs were not different between groups. Self-reported appetite ratings and energy intake following the buffet did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION More favourable appetite-regulating hormone responses to AL did not translate into better self-reported appetite or reduced short-term energy consumption. Future studies should investigate implications for longer term appetite regulation. ANZCTR REFERENCE NUMBER ACTRN12618001861246 2018.
Methodological quality
Jadad score
:
3
Allocation concealment
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Yes
