Decreasing the Consumption of Foods with Sugar Increases Their Reinforcing Value: A Potential Barrier for Dietary Behavior Change

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) have recommended reducing added sugar intake since its inception in 1980. Nearly 40 years later, added sugar consumption still exceeds 2015-2020 DGA recommendations among most of the population. The reinforcing value of food influences eating behaviors, and foods high in added sugars are highly reinforcing. Restricting intake of foods high in added sugars as part of a low-sugar diet may increase their reinforcing value such that reducing consumption may be difficult to maintain.

Source: Journal of the American Dietetic Association - April 4, 2019 Category: Nutrition Authors: Kyle D. Flack, Kelsey Ufholz, Shanon Casperson, Lisa Jahns, LuAnn Johnson, James N. Roemmich Tags: Research Source Type: research