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Stability of Food Preferences During Weight Control

Previous research has shown that the preference for foods used to reinforce behavior change will increase in young children. This study was designed to assess whether this principle could be used to change the food preferences of older, obese children. Obese children were randomly assigned to one of two groups, a treatment group in which novel low-calorie foods were presented contingent upon the behavior changes required for weight loss, whereas in the control group the novel low-calorie foods were given for a daily snack and not contingent upon behavior change. Food preferences were tested twice before treatment began to establish the stability of the food preference, and at 8 weeks (end of treatment) and 6 months after treatment began. Food preferences were stable before treatment began, and remained stable throughout the treatment and follow-up. Children in both groups lost significant amounts of weight after treatment. Preferences were greater for familiar than unfamiliar foods, and greater for fruits than vegetables. No systematic relationships between parent and child food preference were observed.