Published January 8, 2019 | Version v1
Dataset Open

Data from: Exploring preferences for variable delays over fixed delays to high-value food rewards as a model of food-seeking behaviours in humans

  • 1. Lancaster University
  • 2. University of Liverpool
  • 3. Bangor University
  • 4. University of British Columbia

Description

Foraging and operant models suggest that animals will tolerate uncertainty or risk to obtain food quickly. In modern food environments, sustained access to quick energy-dense foods can promote weight gain. Here, we used a discrete-choice procedure to examine peoples' decisions about when next to eat high-value, palatable food rewards, probabilistically delivered immediately or following longer delays. In Experiment 1, moderately hungry young females showed consistent preferences for a variable delay option that delivered food rewards immediately or following long delays over a fixed delay option that delivered the same rewards following intermediate delays. These preferences were stronger in females with higher BMIs compared with lower BMIs, suggesting that quick food can enhance the value of uncertain or 'risky' food-seeking strategies in individuals vulnerable to future weight gain. In Experiment 2, prior exposure to a subtle and not easily identifiable food aroma increased selections of the variable delay option following delayed food rewards in a mixed sample of male and female adults, providing preliminary evidence that food cues can sustain uncertain food-seeking strategies. These data highlight a working hypothesis that the rapid delivery and consumption of food rewards, and food cues, can increase risk-tolerance in the food-seeking behaviours of individuals who are vulnerable to weight gain.

Notes

Files

S1_FINAL_Participant_data.csv

Files (872.0 kB)

Name Size Download all
md5:c09770deed21fd2db24261396e3fa0da
8.5 kB Download
md5:d991ccfb068c18a6158a974c29ffa66e
303.0 kB Preview Download
md5:cb3cee53e976f9688c3321950d606c54
560.6 kB Preview Download

Additional details

Related works

Is cited by
10.1098/rstb.2018.0141 (DOI)