SHEFFIELD, England, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- No meaningful relationship was found between calorie intake and appetite in a study scientists say refutes popular marketing claims by the food industry.
The research was conducted by scientists from the University of Sheffield in England, who analyzed 462 separate studies and concluded appetite ratings did not correspond with energy intake. Lead researcher Dr. Bernard Corfe says his team's findings highlight a problem with the food industry.
"The food industry is littered with products which are marketed on the basis of their appetite-modifying properties," he said in a press release. "Whilst these claims may be true, they shouldn't be extended to imply that energy intake will be reduced as a result."
Many food industry items are packaged with labels advertising a lower calorie amount. Corfe went on to add products like this do not guarantee a consumer will not continue eat more in the near future.
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"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," he said.
During the research team's analysis, only 6 percent of the studies examined revealed a statistical correlation between calorie intake and appetite. Only half of that sample suggested there was a direct relationship between the two variables.
"More research needs to be done into the other factors which do influence our calorie intake," Corfe continued. "This will be important to understand how obesity occurs, how to prevent it, and how we need to work in partnership with the food industry to develop improved tests for foods that are genuinely and effectively able to satisfy appetite."
