Are caloric beverages compensated for in the short-term by young adults? An investigation with particular focus on gender differences

The effect of liquid calories on short-term energy compensation is a topic that justifies further investigation. Whilst previous studies appear to vary widely in terms of protocol, design and outcomes, none have placed much focus on possible gender differences in compensation. This study investigated the impact of isocaloric (150 kcal) portions of a sucrose sweetened fruit drink (SSD), orange juice (OJ) and semi-skimmed milk (M) on subjective hunger and food intake at a subsequent ad libitum buffet consisting of a large variety of foods, and compared their effects with a calorie free (artificially sweetened) fruit drink control (CTRL). Forty-seven young adults (24 females and 23 males) were provided a standard breakfast which was followed 3 h later by the preload beverage and 1 h later by lunch. Participants rated hunger, fullness and desire to eat throughout the study period. Compared to the CTRL, males demonstrated a good caloric compensation at lunch following all three treatment beverages, whilst females reduced food intake following M. Total energy intake (energy in preload + energy intake at lunch) by males was similar across all four beverage conditions whilst females showed an increased total energy intake following SSD compared to the CTRL. The study indicates that the consumption of caloric beverages may not be affecting total energy intake in males in the short-term even in the presence of a large selection of palatable foods. On the other hand, females appeared to show a possible dysregulation, which requires further investigation.