Appetite-modifying foods do not affect calorie intake

There is no link between how hungry we feel and the amount of calories we consume, reveals a study.

It suggests that food marketed as having appetite-modifying properties does not alter our calorie intake. 

The findings, published in the journal Food and Science Nutrition, highlighted the health claims made by the food industry and the way in which many products are advertised -- especially those aimed at people trying to lose weight.

"The food industry is littered with products which are marketed on the basis of their appetite-modifying properties. Whilst these claims may be true, they shouldn't be extended to imply that energy intake will be reduced as a result," said Bernard Corfe, Researcher at the University of Sheffield. 

Researchers analysed 462 scientific studies and arrived at the conclusion that appetite ratings failed to correspond with energy intake -- the number of calories consumed -- in the majority of studies.

Corfe said, "For example, you could eat a meal which claims to satisfy your appetite and keep you feeling full-up for a long period of time but nonetheless go on to consume a large amount of calories later on." 

The research team suggested that more research is needed to examine other factors governing actual food intake, including sensorial environment, social factors, entrained behaviour relating to food timing, along with our innate physical regulation of intake.