Relation between food intake and visual analogue scale ratings of appetite and other sensations in healthy older and young subjects

Copyright © 2004 Nature Publishing GroupObjectiveVisual analogue scales are widely used in appetite research, yet the validity of these scales to evaluate appetite and mood has not been assessed in older subjects. The aim of this study was to determine the relations between food intake and visual analogue scale (VAS) ratings of appetite and nonappetite sensations in healthy older and young subjects.DesignRetrospective combined analysis of four single-blind, randomised, controlled appetite studies.SettingAll studies were conducted in the University of Adelaide, Department of Medicine, Adelaide, Australia.SubjectsA total of 45 healthy young men (n=24) and women (n=21) aged 18-35 y and 45 healthy older men (n=24) and women (n=21) aged 65-85 y were recruited by advertisement.InterventionsOral, intraduodenal or intravenous administration of treatments which suppressed food intake were compared to control. Up to 90 min after treatment, a test meal was offered and subjects ate freely for between 30 and 60 min. Perceptions were assessed by 100-mm visual analogue scales administered at regular intervals.ResultsFood intake at the test meal was positively related to perceptions of hunger, drowsiness, and calmness at both baseline and premeal (r>0.16, P 0.2, PConclusionsThese observations (i) confirm that food intake is related to perceptions of hunger and fullness as assessed by VAS in healthy older and young subjects, and (ii) suggest that sensations, not obviously associated with appetite, including 'drowsiness' and 'calmness', are also associated with food intake.BA Parker, K Sturm, CG MacIntosh, C Feinle, M Horowitz and IM Chapma