Effect of the perception of breakfast consumption on subsequent appetite and energy intake in healthy males

Purpose This study aimed to assess the effects of consuming a very-low-energy placebo breakfast on subsequent appetite and lunch energy intake. Methods Fourteen healthy males consumed water-only (WAT), very-low-energy, viscous placebo (containing water, low-calorie flavoured squash, and xanthan gum; similar to 16 kcal; PLA), and whole-food (similar to 573 kcal; FOOD) breakfasts in a randomised order. Subjects were blinded to the energy content of PLA and specific study aims. Venous blood samples were collected pre-breakfast, 60- and 180-min post-breakfast to assess plasma acylated ghrelin and peptide tyrosine tyrosine concentrations. Subjective appetite was measured regularly, and energy intake was assessed at an ad libitum lunch meal 195-min post-breakfast. Results Lunch energy intake was lower during FOOD compared to WAT (P < 0.05), with no further differences between trials (P >= 0.132). Cumulative energy intake (breakfast plus lunch) was lower during PLA (1078 +/- 274 kcal) and WAT (1093 +/- 249 kcal), compared to FOOD (1554 +/- 301 kcal; P < 0.001). Total area under the curve (AUC) for hunger, desire to eat and prospective food consumption were lower, and fullness was greater during PLA and FOOD compared to WAT (P < 0.05). AUC for hunger was lower during FOOD compared to PLA (P < 0.05). During FOOD, acylated ghrelin was suppressed compared to PLA and WAT at 60 min (P < 0.05), with no other hormonal differences between trials (P >= 0.071). Conclusion Consuming a very-low-energy placebo breakfast does not alter energy intake at lunch but may reduce cumulative energy intake across breakfast and lunch and attenuate elevations in subjective appetite associated with breakfast omission.

Automated summary

Eating a very-low-energy placebo breakfast doesn't change lunch energy intake, but may decrease total energy intake across breakfast and lunch, and reduce subjective appetite increases related to skipping breakfast. Eating a full-food breakfast resulted in lower lunch energy intake compared to water-only breakfast, and total energy intake was lower for the placebo and water-only breakfasts compared to the full-food breakfast. Additionally, subjective hunger, desire to eat, and prospective food consumption AUC were lower and fullness AUC was higher for both the placebo and full-food breakfasts compared to water-only breakfast.