Deficits in episodic memory are related to uncontrolled eating in a sample of healthy adults.

Abstract

Despite a substantial amount of animal data linking deficits in memory inhibition to the development of overeating and obesity, few studies have investigated the relevance of memory inhibition to uncontrolled eating in humans. Further, although memory for recent eating has been implicated as an important contributor to satiety and energy intake, the possibility that variations in episodic memory relate to individual differences in food intake control has been largely neglected. To examine these relationships, we recruited ninety-three adult subjects to attend a single lab session where we assessed body composition, dietary intake, memory performance, and eating behaviors (Three Factor Eating Questionnaire). Episodic recall and memory inhibition were assessed using a well-established measure of memory interference (Retrieval Practice Paradigm). Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that memory inhibition was largely unrelated to participants' eating behaviors; however, episodic recall was reliably predicted by restrained vs. uncontrolled eating: recall was positively associated with strategic dieting (β = 2.45, p = 0.02), avoidance of fatty foods (β = 3.41, p = 0.004), and cognitive restraint (β = 1.55, p = 0.04). In contrast, recall was negatively associated with uncontrolled eating (β = -1.15, p = 0.03) and emotional eating (β = -2.46, p = 0.04). These findings suggest that episodic memory processing is related to uncontrolled eating in humans. The possibility that deficits in episodic memory may contribute to uncontrolled eating by disrupting memory for recent eating is discussed.

Uncontrolled eating: a unifying heritable trait linked with obesity, overeating, personality and the brain

“…In the case of Uncontrolled Eating, low cognitive control could mean an inability to moderate the behavioural response to heightened reward sensitivity. Several studies have associated uncontrolled eating with laboratory-based tests of cognitive control (Yeomans et al, 2008;Appelhans et al, 2011;Leitch et al, 2013;Calvo et al, 2014;Yeomans & Brace, 2015;Bartholdy et al, 2016;Brace & Yeomans, 2016;Lavagnino et al, 2016;Eneva et al, 2017;Martin et al, 2018). Examples of tests used include delay discounting, the Go-Nogo task, but also memory tests.…”

Uncontrolled eating: A unifying heritable trait linked with obesity, overeating, personality, and the brain

“…In the case of Uncontrolled Eating, low cognitive control could mean an inability to moderate the behavioural response to heightened reward sensitivity. Several studies have associated uncontrolled eating with laboratory-based tests of cognitive control (Yeomans et al, 2008;Appelhans et al, 2011;Leitch et al, 2013;Calvo et al, 2014;Yeomans & Brace, 2015;Bartholdy et al, 2016;Brace & Yeomans, 2016;Lavagnino et al, 2016;Eneva et al, 2017;Martin et al, 2018). Examples of tests used include delay discounting, the Go-Nogo task, but also memory tests.…”

Adolescent Interventions to Manage Self-Regulation in Type 1 Diabetes (AIMS-T1D): randomized control trial study protocol

“…SR capacity has been conceptualized as including three component processes: executive functioning skills; emotion regulation strategies; and ability to delay gratification in service of achieving future goals [3,4]. Low SR capacity has been shown to interfere with individuals' engagement in a variety of health maintenance behaviors including engaging in regular physical activity [5], consuming a healthy diet [6][7][8], and adhering to medical treatment regimens [9][10][11].…”