Rachel Myhre1, Mario Kratz2, Jack Goldberg3, Janet Polivy4, Susan Melhorn5, Dedra Buchwald6, David E Cummings7, Ellen A Schur8. 1. Nutritional Sciences Program, University of Washington, School of Public Health, 305 Raitt Hall, Box 353410, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. Electronic address: rjm22@uw.edu. 2. Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Box 357236, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N. P.O. Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA. Electronic address: mkratz@fhcrc.org. 3. Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Box 357236, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Vietnam Era Twin Registry, VA Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, 1600S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA. Electronic address: goldie1@uw.edu. 4. Department of Psychology, University of Toronto at Mississaugua, 3359 Mississaugua Road N. Mississaugua, Toronto, ON, Canada. Electronic address: jpolivy@utm.toronto.ca. 5. Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 Ninth Ave 359780, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. Electronic address: smelhorn@uw.edu. 6. Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Box 357236, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. Electronic address: dedra@uw.edu. 7. Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St Box 356426, Seattle, WA 98195-6426, USA. Electronic address: davidec@uw.edu. 8. Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 Ninth Ave 359780, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. Electronic address: ellschur@uw.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Genetic, physiological, and psychological factors can affect food intake, but twin studies can distinguish inherited from environmental contributors. We examined the influence of attempted cognitive control of eating ("restrained eating") on levels of appetite-regulating hormones. METHODS: Sixteen female, monozygotic twin pairs, discordant for Restraint Scale score (i.e., one twin a restrained eater with score>15 whereas the co-twin was unrestrained), were selected from the University of Washington Twin Registry. Serial plasma ghrelin concentrations were monitored during meals and a preload study paradigm involving intake of a milkshake followed by an ad libitum ice cream "taste test." RESULTS: Body weight, body mass index, resting energy expenditure, and fasting leptin levels were very similar between restrained and unrestrained twins. In a preload study, twins ate similar amounts of ice cream shortly after drinking identical milkshakes (mean±SD; restrained 239±158 vs. unrestrained 228±132kcal; P=0.83). However, ghrelin concentrations during the preload study were significantly higher (P=0.03) in restrained twins than in their unrestrained co-twins. Regardless of restraint status, ghrelin levels prior to the preload study were prospectively and positively associated with ice cream intake (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to their unrestrained co-twins, restrained twins had higher endogenous ghrelin levels during a preload study, but ate similar amounts. This finding is consistent with exertion of cognitive control relative to the state of physiologic appetite stimulation. Moreover, these findings in twins suggest that higher ghrelin levels result from restrained eating behavior and not from genetic predisposition.
BACKGROUND: Genetic, physiological, and psychological factors can affect food intake, but twin studies can distinguish inherited from environmental contributors. We examined the influence of attempted cognitive control of eating ("restrained eating") on levels of appetite-regulating hormones. METHODS: Sixteen female, monozygotic twin pairs, discordant for Restraint Scale score (i.e., one twin a restrained eater with score>15 whereas the co-twin was unrestrained), were selected from the University of Washington Twin Registry. Serial plasma ghrelin concentrations were monitored during meals and a preload study paradigm involving intake of a milkshake followed by an ad libitum ice cream "taste test." RESULTS: Body weight, body mass index, resting energy expenditure, and fasting leptin levels were very similar between restrained and unrestrained twins. In a preload study, twins ate similar amounts of ice cream shortly after drinking identical milkshakes (mean±SD; restrained 239±158 vs. unrestrained 228±132kcal; P=0.83). However, ghrelin concentrations during the preload study were significantly higher (P=0.03) in restrained twins than in their unrestrained co-twins. Regardless of restraint status, ghrelin levels prior to the preload study were prospectively and positively associated with ice cream intake (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to their unrestrained co-twins, restrained twins had higher endogenous ghrelin levels during a preload study, but ate similar amounts. This finding is consistent with exertion of cognitive control relative to the state of physiologic appetite stimulation. Moreover, these findings in twins suggest that higher ghrelin levels result from restrained eating behavior and not from genetic predisposition.
Authors: Holly S Callahan; David E Cummings; Margaret S Pepe; Patricia A Breen; Colleen C Matthys; David S Weigle Journal: J Clin Endocrinol Metab Date: 2004-03 Impact factor: 5.958
Authors: David E Cummings; David S Weigle; R Scott Frayo; Patricia A Breen; Marina K Ma; E Patchen Dellinger; Jonathan Q Purnell Journal: N Engl J Med Date: 2002-05-23 Impact factor: 91.245