Is intuitive eating related to resting state vagal activity?

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Stephanie K V Peschel - , Chair of Behavioral Epidemiology (Author)
  • Tracy L Tylka - , Ohio State University (Author)
  • DeWayne P Williams - , Ohio State University (Author)
  • Michael Kaess - , Inselspital University Hospital Bern (Author)
  • Julian F Thayer - , Ohio State University (Author)
  • Julian Koenig - , Heidelberg University  (Author)

Abstract

Efferent and afferent fibers of the vagus nerve are involved in regulating hunger and satiety. Vagally-mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) reflects vagal activity. Previously no study addressed a potential association between resting state vagal activity and intuitive eating. Self-reports on intuitive eating and measures of resting state vmHRV were obtained in 39 students (16 female, mean age: 19.64±1.44years). Hierarchical multiple regression models showed that, after controlling for gender, age, and body mass index, resting vagal activity was inversely related to the Unconditional Permission to Eat subscale of the Intuitive Eating scale. Individuals with higher resting vagal activity tend to be less willing to eat desired foods and are more likely to label certain foods as forbidden. Future studies should include measures of self-regulation and eating disorder symptomatology to identify potential mediators or moderators when attempting to replicate these preliminary findings in larger samples.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)72-75
Number of pages4
Journal Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical ; official journal of the International Society for Autonomic Neuroscience (ISAN)
Volume210
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2018
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85034855550

Keywords

Keywords

  • Adolescent, Body Mass Index, Eating/physiology, Electrocardiography, Female, Heart Rate, Humans, Linear Models, Male, Rest, Vagus Nerve/physiology, Young Adult

Library keywords