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The feed consumption and feeding patterns of group-housed livestock and their productive outputs can be affected by interactions among group members, such as competition for feeder access and aggression. The impact of competition is especially significant when feed restriction is implemented during the fattening stage, a common practice in rabbit farms to reduce mortality from digestive disorders during this period. The overall aim was to quantify the importance of social interaction effects at the genetic and environmental level on feed efficiency, feeding behaviour and social ranking traits in rabbit populations having access to electronic feeders whilst they were housed in groups during fattening. This was done by quantifying novel feeding behaviour (FB) and social ranking (SR) traits and by estimating the genetic parameters and genetic correlations between all combinations of direct and social effects of these traits and residual feed intake (RFI), an indicator of feed efficiency. These effects were estimated in animals fed either ad libitum (AL) or on a time-based feed restriction (R) and were selected for feed efficiency on these feeding regimes for six generations. We found that there were substantial social genetic and social litter effects on RFI and FB traits, manifesting as antagonistic relationships between direct and social genetic effects. These effects were stronger amongst the R, as opposed to the AL animals. Despite these antagonistic relationships, the large social genetic effects resulted in substantial heritable variation available for selection of these traits, and therefore feeding behaviour could be changed by genetic selection, especially for R animals. The indicators of an animal's SR were also heritable and subject to social genetic effects and therefore may respond to selection. However, the phenotypic population mean would not change, because such traits are context-specific. The animals that took most of the feeding resources and had priority access to the feeder had a higher RFI, that is, they were less efficient, but they made their cage mates more efficient. This is the first time that the genetic correlations between direct effects of RFI and direct effects of FB and SR traits, as well as between social effects of RFI and direct effects of FB traits and SR traits, have been quantified. Results could help to understand the mechanisms by which an animal exerts its influence on the feed efficiency of its cage mates under different feeding regimes and assist in the development of breeding strategies., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: The A allele of rs9939609 polymorphism at the FTO gene has been consistently associated with higher body mass index in different populations, but conflicting results have been found regarding its contribution to food intake variability., Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between this genetic variant and nutrient and food intake in an urban Argentinian population., Design: A cross-sectional, analytic investigation was performed between October 2018 and February 2020., Participants/settings: Adults of both sexes residing in La Plata, Argentina, were recruited through social networks (Instagram and Facebook). Of 179 eligible adults, a total of 173 adults were included in the final analyses., Outcome Measures: Nutrient and food group intake data were obtained by an interview-administered food frequency questionnaire. Height and weight were measured, and genotypes were obtained by real-time polymerase chain reaction., Statistical Analyses: The per-allele effect on nutrient and food group intake was assessed by general linear models, adjusting for age, sex, educational level, total energy intake, and body mass index. Dietary patterns were derived by principal component analysis. The association of the A allele with adherence to each dietary pattern was also evaluated by the general linear model., Results: The frequency of the risk allele was 27%. A-carriers showed a higher total fat (1.88 [0.55, 3.21] % of total energy intake), saturated fatty acids (0.82 [0.25-1.39] % of total energy intake), and monounsaturated fatty acids (0.66 [0.08, 1.24] % of total energy intake), and a lower carbohydrate (-1.99 [-3.48, -0.50] % of total energy intake) intake than TT homozygous. A-carriers also reported a higher "milk and yogurt" (1.08 [0.24, 1.91] % of total energy intake), "animal fats" (1.09 [0.14-2.03] % of total energy intake), and fat-rich ultraprocessed foods (2.10 [0.52, 3.67] % of total energy intake) intake in comparison with TT homozygous. Furthermore, A-carriers showed higher adherence to the Western dietary pattern., Conclusion: The A allele contributed to nutrient and food intake variability in the studied population and was associated with the consumption of saturated fatty acids-enriched foods., (Copyright © 2024 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

BMAL2 (ARNTL2) is a paralog of BMAL1 that can form heterodimers with the other circadian factors CLOCK and NPAS2 to activate transcription of clock and clock-controlled genes. To assess a possible role of Bmal2 in the circadian regulation of metabolism, we investigated daily variations of energy metabolism, feeding behavior, and locomotor behavior, as well as ability to anticipate restricted food access in male mice knock-out for Bmal2 (B2KO). While their amount of food intake and locomotor activity were normal compared with wild-type mice, B2KO mice displayed increased adiposity (1.5-fold higher) and fasted hyperinsulinemia (fourfold higher) and tended to have lower energy expenditure at night. Impairment of the master clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei was evidenced by the shorter free-running period (-14 min/cycle) of B2KO mice compared with wild-type controls and by a loss of daily rhythmicity in expression of intracellular metabolic regulators (e.g., Lipoprotein lipase and Uncoupling protein 2 ). The circadian window of eating was longer in B2KO mice. The circadian patterns of food intake and meal numbers were bimodal in control mice but not in B2KO mice. In response to restricted feeding, food-anticipatory activity was almost prevented in B2KO mice, suggesting altered food clock that controls anticipation of food availability. In the mediobasal hypothalamus of B2KO mice, expression of genes coding orexigenic neuropeptides (including Neuropeptide y and Agouti-Related Peptide ) was downregulated, while Lipoprotein lipase expression lost its rhythmicity. Together, these data highlight that BMAL2 has major impacts on brain regulation of metabolic rhythms, sleep-wake cycle, and food anticipation., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interests., (Copyright © 2024 the authors.)

Improved feed efficiency is an essential goal for the sustainability of pig production in economic and environmental terms. Traits such as feed conversion rate (FCR), residual feed intake (RFI), residual body weight gain (RG) and feeding behaviour, such as duration (TPV) and feeding rate per visit (FR) can now be measured by automatic feeding systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of incorporating feeding behaviour traits into a selection index to improve feed efficiency in a nucleus of purebred Pietrain pigs. Data on body weight, feed intake and duration were recorded at each visit in 1608 animals. The information contained in 843,605 visits was grouped by animal ID to obtain a set of feed efficiency and feeding behaviour traits. These traits were obtained in three periods (first, second and total period). Bayesian models were built to estimate the posterior marginal distribution of the variance components. The heritabilities were between 0.44 and 0.59 for feeding behaviour traits and between 0.31 and 0.49 for feed efficiency traits. The FCR and RFI showed a considerable genetic correlation with daily feed intake (~0.65). FCR showed a genetic correlation with feeding behaviour traits, such as feed intake per visit (FPV) (0.44) and FR (0.33). Furthermore, the fast-eating pigs were less efficient. This was due to the positive genetic correlation found between the FR and the FCR (0.33) and the RFI (0.23), and the negative correlation found with the RG (-0.28). On the other hand, the inclusion of the feeding behaviour traits into a selection index slightly increased the selection response for FCR (4%) and RFI (1.8%). However, there was an increase of up to 19% in the selection response for RG and an improvement in accuracy from 0.59 to 0.70. Therefore, we concluded that it would be interesting to include feeding behaviour traits in a selection index to improve the selection response and accuracy of feed efficiency traits., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The objective of this study was to obtain (co)variance components, heritability, and genetic and phenotypic correlation estimates for feed efficiency and feed behaviour-related indicator traits. Further, it aimed to predict the direct and correlated responses for feed efficiency traits when selection was applied for feeding behaviour-related traits in Nelore cattle. Phenotypic records (n = 4840) from 125 feed efficiency tests (RFI: Residual feed intake and DMI: Dry matter intake) carried out between 2011 and 2018 were considered in this study. Animals belonged to five farms located in two Brazilian geographical regions (Midwest and Southeast). Animals under similar management and environmental conditions in the feedlot were evaluated when they attained an average of 13.5 ± 4.15 months of age. Feed behaviour-related traits were also obtained, including meal criteria (MC), meal frequency (MF), average meal duration (AMD), meal duration (MD), average consumption per meal (ACM), and consumption rate (CR) through the GrowSafe System® electronic bunk system. The contemporary groups for all traits were composed of farm, management group, feed efficiency test, sex, and birth year. The (co)variance components were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood method considering a multi-trait (n = 8) animal model. The heritability estimates for RFI (0.23 ± 0.02), DMI (0.31 ± 0.02), MF (0.65 ± 0.02), AMD (0.29 ± 0.02), ACM (0.24 ± 0.02), MD (0.41 ± 0.02), MC (0.48 ± 0.02), and CR (0.42 ± 0.02) were moderate to high. The highest genetic correlation was obtained between CR and MD (-0.91 ± 0.04), MD and AMD (0.73 ± 0.03), CR and AMD (-0.68 ± 0.04), and RFI and DMI (0.81 ± 0.02). The highest phenotypic correlation was between ACM and AMD (0.76 ± 0.02), DMI and MD (0.77 ± 0.02), and DMI and RFI (0.77 ± 0.02). Genetic improvement for feed efficiency and feeding behaviour-related traits is feasible and the results obtained herein provided valuable information regarding the genetic background of Nelore feeding behaviour-related traits. The genetic association between feeding behaviour and feed efficiency-related traits suggested that animals spending less time feeding at a low feeding rate also had lower DMI and higher feed efficiency (RFI), and likely had lower energy maintenance requirements. The relative efficiency of selection showed that feeding behaviour-related traits were not adequate indicator traits to improve RFI and DMI. The DMI might be an effective selection criterion to improve RFI and reduce the herd's maintenance requirements., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Estimated food records (EFR) are a common dietary assessment method. This investigation aimed to; (1) define the reporting quality of the EFR, (2) characterise acute dietary intake and eating behaviours, (3) describe diet heritability., Methods: A total of 1974 one-day EFR were collected from 1858 participants in the TwinsUK cohort between 2012 and 2017. EFR were assessed using a six-point scoring system to determine reporting quality. The frequency and co-occurrence of food items was examined using word clouds and co-occurrence networks. The impact of eating behaviours on weight, BMI and nutrient intake were explored using mixed-effect linear regression models. Finally, diet heritability was estimated using ACE modelling., Results: We observed that 75% of EFR are of acceptable reporting quality (score > 5). Black tea and semi-skimmed milk were the most consumed items, on an individual basis (respectively 8.27, 6.25%) and paired (0.21%) as co-occurring items. Breakfast consumption had a significantly (p = 5.99 × 10 - 7 ) greater impact on energy (kcal) (mean 1874.67 (±SD 532.42)) than skipping breakfast (1700.45 (±SD 620.98)), however only length of eating window was significantly associated with body weight (kg) (effect size 0.21 (±SD 0.10), p = 0.05) and BMI (effect size 0.08 (±SD 0.04), p = 0.04) after adjustment for relevant covariates. Lastly, we reported that both length of eating window (h2 = 33%, CI 0.24; 0.41), and breakfast consumption (h2 = 11%, CI 0.02; 0.21) were weakly heritable., Conclusions: EFR describing acute dietary intake allow for eating behaviour characterisation and can supplement habitual diet intake assessments. Novel findings of heritability warrant further investigation., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The objectives of the present study were to estimate genetic parameters for several feeding behavior traits in growing cattle, as well as the genetic associations among and between feeding behavior and both performance and feed efficiency traits. An additional objective was to investigate the use of feeding behavior traits as predictors of genetic merit for feed intake. Feed intake and live-weight data on 6,088 growing cattle were used of which 4,672 had ultrasound data and 1,548 had feeding behavior data. Feeding behavior traits were defined based on individual feed events or meal events (where individual feed events were grouped into meals). Univariate and bivariate animal linear mixed models were used to estimate (co)variance components. Heritability estimates (± SE) for the feeding behavior traits ranged from 0.19 ± 0.08 for meals per day to 0.61 ± 0.10 for feeding time per day. The coefficient of genetic variation per trait varied from 5% for meals per day to 22% for the duration of each feed event. Genetically heavier cattle, those with a higher daily energy intake (MEI), or those that grew faster had a faster feeding rate, as well as a greater energy intake per feed event and per meal. Better daily feed efficiency (i.e., lower residual energy intake) was genetically associated with both a shorter feeding time per day and shorter meal time per day. In a validation population of 321 steers and heifers, the ability of estimated breeding values (EBV) for MEI to predict (adjusted) phenotypic MEI was demonstrated; EBVs for MEI were estimated using multi-trait models with different sets of predictor traits such as liveweight and/or feeding behaviors. The correlation (± SE) between phenotypic MEI and EBV for MEI marginally improved (P < 0.001) from 0.64 ± 0.03 to 0.68 ± 0.03 when feeding behavior phenotypes from the validation population were included in a genetic evaluation that already included phenotypic mid-test metabolic live-weight from the validation population. This is one of the largest studies demonstrating that significant exploitable genetic variation exists in the feeding behavior of young crossbred growing cattle; such feeding behavior traits are also genetically correlated with several performance and feed efficiency metrics. Nonetheless, there was only a marginal benefit to the inclusion of time-related feeding behavior phenotypes in a genetic evaluation for MEI to improve the precision of the EBVs for this trait., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science.)

Fat is one of the six types of taste. Perceived taste intensity could affect the preference for a food and whether or not it is consumed. Cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) translocates fatty acids on the cellular membrane and is involved in the oral fat-sensing mechanism. Therefore, genetic variation rs1761667 in CD36 is known to be associated with the perception of fat taste and, hence, its dietary intake. This study examined whether CD36 rs1527479 T>C, a proxy of rs1761667, is associated with fat intake and related dietary behaviour in Koreans. Using the data of the Ansan/Ansung Study, a part of the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study, the association of rs1527479 with the intake of macronutrients, including fat and selected foods, and fat-related dietary behaviours were investigated in 3194 males and 3425 females grouped by their degree of obesity. The findings suggested that rs1527479 did not have a meaningful effect on the intake of fat or other macronutrients or on the selection of food among non-obese females and males. However, in males with obesity, the genetic variation showed a significant association with vegetable intake. Obese males with the mutant CC genotype had substantially lower cruciferous vegetable consumption (adjusted P = 0·0015) than individuals with the TT and CT genotypes. Rs1527479 had no significant effect on the frequency of consuming fried foods or commonly used types of seasoning and cooking oils. In conclusion, CD36 genetic variation was associated with the intake of cruciferous vegetables but not fat intake in obese Korean males.

The dysfunction of melanocortin signaling has been associated with obesity, given the important role in the regulation of energy homeostasis, food intake, satiety and body weight. In the hypothalamus, the melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) contribute to the stability of these processes, but MC3R and MC4R are also localized in the mesolimbic dopamine system, the region that responds to the reinforcing properties of highly palatable food (HPF) and where these two receptors seem to affect food reward and motivation. Loss of function of the MC4R, resulting from genetic mutations, leads to overeating in humans, but to date, a clear understanding of the underlying mechanisms and behaviors that promote overconsumption of caloric foods remains unknown. Moreover, the MC4R demonstrated to be a crucial modulator of the stress response, factor that is known to be strictly related to binge eating behavior. In this review, we will explore the preclinical and clinical studies, and the controversies regarding the involvement of melanocortin system in altered eating patterns, especially binge eating behavior, food reward and motivation.

This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters, including genomic data, for feeding behavior, feed efficiency, and growth traits in Nellore cattle. The following feeding behavior traits were studied (861 animals with records): time spent at the feed bunk (TF), duration of one feeding event (FD), frequency of visits to the bunk (FF), feeding rate (FR), and dry matter intake (DMI) per visit (DMIv). The feed efficiency traits (1,543 animals with records) included residual feed intake (RFI), residual weight gain (RWG), and feed conversion (FC). The growth traits studied were average daily gain (ADG, n = 1,543 animals) and selection (postweaning) weight (WSel, n = 9,549 animals). The (co)variance components were estimated by the maximum restricted likelihood method, fitting animal models that did (single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction) or did not include (best linear unbiased prediction) genomic information in two-trait analyses. The direct responses to selection were calculated for the feed efficiency traits, ADG, and WSel, as well as the correlated responses in feed efficiency and growth by direct selection for shorter TF. The estimated heritabilities were 0.51 ± 0.06, 0.35 ± 0.06, 0.27 ± 0.07, 0.34 ± 0.06, and 0.33 ± 0.06 for TF, FD, FF, FR, and DMIv, respectively. In general, TF and FD showed positive genetic correlations with all feed efficiency traits (RFI, RWG, and FC), ADG, DMI, and WSel. Additionally, TF showed high and positive genetic and phenotypic correlations with RFI (0.71 ± 0.10 and 0.46 ± 0.02, respectively) and DMI (0.56 ± 0.09 and 0.48 ± 0.03), and medium to weak genetic correlations with growth (0.32 ± 0.11 with ADG and 0.14 ± 0.09 with WSel). The results suggest that TF is a strong indicator trait of feed efficiency, which exhibits high heritability and a weak positive genetic correlation with growth. In a context of a selection index, the inclusion of TF to select animals for shorter TF may accelerate the genetic gain in feed efficiency by reducing RFI but with zero or slightly negative genetic gain in growth traits., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Neuronal interactions at the level of vagal, homeostatic, and hedonic circuitry work to regulate the neuronal control of feeding. This integrative system appears to vary across sex and gender in the animal and human worlds. Most feeding research investigating these variations across sex and gender focus on how the organizational and activational mechanisms of hormones contribute to these differences. However, in limited studies spanning both the central and peripheral nervous systems, sex differences in feeding have been shown to manifest not just at the level of the hormonal, but also at the chromosomal, epigenetic, cellular, and even circuitry levels to alter food intake. In this review, we provide a brief orientation to the current understanding of how these neuronal systems interact before dissecting selected studies from the recent literature to exemplify how feeding physiology at all levels can be affected by the various components of sex., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), the receptor for ghrelin, is expressed in key brain nuclei that regulate food intake. The dopamine (DA) pathways have long been recognized to play key roles mediating GHSR effects on feeding behaviors. Here, we aimed to determine the role of GHSR in DA neurons controlling appetitive and consummatory behaviors towards high fat (HF) diet. For this purpose, we crossed reactivable GHSR-deficient mice with DA transporter (DAT)-Cre mice, which express Cre recombinase under the DAT promoter that is active exclusively in DA neurons, to generate mice with GHSR expression limited to DA neurons (DAT-GHSR mice). We found that DAT-GHSR mice show an increase of c-Fos levels in brain areas containing DA neurons after ghrelin treatment, in a similar fashion as seen in wild-type mice; however, they did not increase food intake or locomotor activity in response to systemically- or centrally-administered ghrelin. In addition, we found that satiated DAT-GHSR mice displayed both anticipatory activity to scheduled HF diet exposure and HF intake in a binge-like eating protocol similar to those in wild-type mice, whereas GHSR-deficient mice displayed impaired responses. We conclude that GHSR expression in DA neurons is sufficient to both mediate increased anticipatory activity to a scheduled HF diet exposure and fully orchestrate binge-like HF intake, but it is insufficient to restore the acute orexigenic or locomotor effects of ghrelin treatment. Thus, GHSR in DA neurons affects appetitive and consummatory behaviors towards HF diet that take place in the absence of caloric needs., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this study was to examine the differences in feeding behavior patterns of steers with divergent phenotypes for residual feed intake (RFI). Three trials were conducted with 508 Angus-based composite crossbred steers (body weight [BW] = 309 ± 57 kg) fed a high-concentrate diet in pens equipped with electronic feed bunks (GrowSafe System). Initial and final carcass ultrasound measurements (intra-muscular fat, backfat depth, and rib-eye area) were collected on days 0 and 70, and BW measured at 14-d intervals. Individual dry matter intake (DMI) and feeding behavior traits were collected for 70 d, and RFI calculated as the residual from the regression of DMI on average daily gain (ADG) and mid-test BW0.75. Steers were ranked by RFI and assigned to low-, medium-, and high-RFI classes based on ± 0.5 SD from the mean RFI within the trial. The feeding behavior traits evaluated in this study included frequency and duration of bunk visit (BV) and meal events, head-down (HD) duration, mean meal length, time-to-bunk interval, the maximum nonfeeding interval, and the day-to-day variation of these traits, defined as the root mean squared error (RMSE) from linear regression of each trait on the day of trial. Additionally, three ratio traits were evaluated: BV events per meal, HD duration per BV event, and HD duration per meal event. Low-RFI (feed-efficient) steers consumed 16% less (P < 0.01) DMI, while BW and ADG were not different compared with high-RFI steers. Low-RFI steers had 18% fewer and 21% shorter (P < 0.01) BV events, and 11% fewer and 13% shorter (P < 0.01) meal events per day compared with high-RFI steers. Furthermore, low-RFI steers exhibited less (P < 0.05) day-to-day variance in DMI, as well as in frequency and duration of BV and meal events and HD duration compared with high-RFI steers. Differences in feeding behavior traits due to RFI were minimally affected by covariate adjustment for DMI, indicating that steers with divergent RFI have distinct feeding behavior patterns that are largely independent of differences in DMI. These results suggest that feeding behavior traits may be useful biomarkers for the prediction of feed efficiency in beef cattle., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Genetic differential susceptibility states that individuals may vary both by exhibiting poor responses when exposed to adverse environments, and disproportionally benefiting from positive settings. The dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4) may be particularly implicated in these effects, including disturbed eating behaviors that might lead to obesity. Here, we explore differential susceptibility to positive environments according to the predicted genetically regulated gene expression of prefrontal cortex DRD4 gene. Using MAVAN as the discovery cohort (Maternal Adversity, Vulnerability and Neurodevelopment) and GUSTO as the replication cohort (Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes), we analyzed the interaction between a) a Positive postnatal environmental score, that accounts for positive outcomes in the postnatal period and b) the genetically regulated gene expression of prefrontal DRD4, computed using a machine learning prediction method (PrediXcan). The outcome measures were the pro-intake domains (Emotional over-eating, Food Responsiveness, Food Enjoyment and Desire to Drink) from the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire at 48 months of age (MAVAN) and 60 months of age (GUSTO). The interaction between the positive environment and the predicted prefrontal DRD4 gene expression was significant for emotional over-eating in MAVAN (β = -0.403, p < 0.02), in which the high gene expression group had more or less emotional eating according to the exposure to lower or higher positive environment respectively, showing evidence of differential susceptibility criteria. In the replication cohort, a similar result was found with the pro-intake domain Desire to drink (β = -0.583, p < 0.05). These results provide further evidence for the genetic differential susceptibility, accounting for the benefit of positive environments., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Previous studies have found that LMX1B rs10733682 polymorphism is associated with Body Mass Index (BMI) in European and American Indian adults. In this study, the association of rs10733682 polymorphism with obesity-related indicators, and its interaction with macronutrients and dietary patterns (DPs) were explored in Chinese children ( n = 798). The rs10733682 polymorphism was genotyped by improved Multiple Ligase Detection Reaction (iMLDR). Four DPs were identified by factor analysis. The AA genotype had a higher incidence of overweight/obesity than GG+GA genotypes ( P = 0.010) in girls ( n = 398), but no difference in boys. The AA genotype in girls could interact with intake of energy, fat and carbohydrate, causing an increased triglyceride (TG), ( P = 0.021, 0.003, 0.002, respectively), and also could interact with energy from protein, causing an elevated BMI ( P = 0.023) and waist ( P = 0.019). Girls inclining to the HED (high-energy density)-DP were associated with increased TG ( P = 0.033), and girls inclining to the VEF (vegetables, eggs, and fishes based)-DP were associated with decreased total cholesterol (TC, P = 0.045) and decreased low density lipoprotein cholesterin (LDL, P = 0.016). The findings indicated that the AA genotype of rs10733682 and the HED-DP are potential risk factors of obesity in Chinese girls.

A small amount of emerging research has observed variations between individual sensitivity, preference and intake of salt in the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on the genes encoding salt taste receptors. Sodium intake is a significant risk factor for common diseases in elderly populations such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease; however, this does not fully explain the risk. Research into the influence of salt taste genetics on diet quality is yet to be undertaken and current research on indicators of health is limited and mixed in the direction of associations. Therefore, a secondary analysis of data from a well-characterised elderly cohort (the cross-sectional Retirement Health and Lifestyle Study, n = 536) was conducted to explore relationships between the salt taste-related SNP TRPV1 -rs8065080 (assessed by Taqman genotyping assay), dietary habits and biomarkers of health. Data were analysed with standard least squares regression modelling and Tukey's HSD post hoc tests. No association was found between the TRPV1 -rs8065080 genotype, sodium intake or multiple diet quality indices (assessed by food frequency questionnaire). Sodium-related markers of health including blood pressure and markers of kidney function (urinary creatinine and albumin/creatinine ratio) and general health markers, such as Body Mass Index (BMI), were also not related to TRPV1 -rs8065080 genotype. To date, this study is the most comprehensive investigation conducted to determine if the TRPV1 -rs8065080 genotype relates to sodium intake and health markers influenced by sodium intake. Although no significant relationships were found, these findings are an important contribution to the limited body of knowledge surround this SNP. In addition to further research across other ages and cultures, the TRPV1 -rs8065080 genotype may interact with other ion channels, and so further studies are required to determine if polymorphic variations influence sodium intake, diet and health., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Insulin, a highly conserved peptide hormone, links nutrient availability to metabolism and growth in animals. In fed states insulin levels remain high and in animals that are food deprived insulin signalling drops. Here, we report that in Drosophila, feeding elicited by short periods of starvation is dependent on insulin signalling. The activity of insulin signalling pathway in the abdominal fatbody aids in feeding during short periods of starvation. A feedback regulatory signalling that involves cells that express the Drosophila hunger hormone short-neuropeptide-F (sNPF) and insulin-producing cells sustain the orexigenic function of insulin. Furthermore, the orexigenic phase of insulin activity aids in the efficient management of nutrient stores and survival of flies during starvation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Performance and feeding behaviour traits in growing pigs could be affected by social interaction effects when animals are raised in group. So, properly knowing the genetic correlations between direct and social interaction effects among performance and feeding behaviour traits could improve the accuracy of the genetic evaluations. Our aim was to explore the role of feeding behaviour traits (FBT) and indirect genetic effects (IGEs) in the genetic evaluations of growing pigs. Thus, genetic parameters were estimated for production traits (PT): average daily gain, average daily feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and backfat thickness; as well as for FBT: average daily feeding rate, average daily feeding frequency, average daily occupation time and average daily time between consecutive visits. Traits were recorded in 1144 Duroc pigs during the fattening period. Two bivariate models were fitted: classic animal model and an animal model fitting IGE. Estimations were done following Bayesian procedures. Heritability estimates obtained with classic animal model for all studied traits were medium-high. The additional heritable variation captured by IGE supposed that the ratios of total genetic variance to phenotypic variance (T2) were higher than the heritability estimates obtained with the classic model, except for occupation time trait, when a lower value (0.20 ± 0.19) was estimated. This is due to a high and negative correlation between IGE and direct genetic effects (DGEs) of this particular trait (-0.78 ± 0.27). Results from classic animal model do not evidence a clear role of FBT to improve the accuracy of breeding value predictions for PT; only average daily feeding rate seems to show a positive correlation (around 0.50 to 0.60) with average daily gain, average daily feed consumption and backfat thickness. However, when IGE model was fitted, the number of estimates of genetic correlations between FBT and PT showing a relevant magnitude increased, generally for the correlations between IGE of FBT and DGE of PT; or particularly for the correlations between IGE of average daily feeding frequency, and the IGE of all the PT, except average daily gain. Thus, in evaluations using the animal model with IGE fitted, the inclusion of FBT could aid the improvement of the accuracy of breeding value predictions for PT. This is a consequence of the improved genetic relationships between traits that can be fitted when considering such models.

The mTOR/S6Ks signaling is one of the intracellular pathways important for metabolic control, acting both peripherally and centrally. In the hypothalamus, mTOR/S6Ks axis mediates the action of leptin and insulin and can modulate the expression of neuropeptides. We analyzed the role of different S6Ks isoforms in the hypothalamic regulation of metabolism. We observed decreased food intake and decreased expression of agouti-related peptide (AgRP) following intracerebroventricular (icv) injections of adenoviral-mediated overexpression of three different S6Ks isoforms. Moreover, mice overexpressing p70-S6K1 in undefined periventricular hypothalamic neurons presented changes in glucose metabolism, as an increase in gluconeogenesis. To further evaluate the hypothalamic role of a less-studied S6K isoform, p54-S6K2, we used a Cre-LoxP approach to specifically overexpress it in AgRP neurons. Our findings demonstrate the potential participation of S6K2 in AgRP neurons regulating feeding behavior.

A major proportion of the costs of pork production is related to feed. The feed conversion rate (FCR) or residual feed intake (RFI) is thus commonly included in breeding programmes. Feeding behaviour traits do not directly have economic value but, if correlated with production traits, can be used as auxiliary traits. The aim of this study was to estimate the heritability of feeding behaviour traits and their genetic correlations with production traits in the Finnish Yorkshire pig population. The data were available from 3,235 pigs. Feeding behaviour was measured as the number of visits per day (NVD), time spent in feeding per day (TPD), daily feed intake (DFI), time spent feeding per visit (TPV), feed intake per visit (FPV) and feed intake rate (FR). The test station phase was divided into five periods. Estimates of heritabilities of feeding behaviour traits varied from 0.17 to 0.47. Strong genetic correlations were obtained between behaviour traits in all periods. However, only DFI was strongly correlated with the production traits. Interestingly, a moderate positive genetic correlation was obtained between FR and backfat thickness (0.1-0.5) and between FR and average daily gain (0.3-0.4), depending on the period. Based on the results, there is no additional benefit from including feeding-related traits other than those commonly used (FCR and RFI) in the breeding programme. However, if correlated with animal welfare, the feeding behaviour traits could be valuable in the breeding programme., (© 2019 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

The objective of the current study was to explore differences in dry matter intake, intake capacity, production efficiency, energy balance, and grazing behavior, of 2 divergent genetic groups (GG) of lactating Holstein-Friesian, selected using the Irish Economic Breeding Index (EBI). The GG were evaluated across 3 spring calving pasture-based feeding treatments (FT) over 3 yr. The 2 divergent GG were (1) high EBI, representative of the top 5% nationally (elite), and (2) EBI representative of the national average (NA). In each year 90 elite and 45 NA cows were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 FT: control, lower grass allowance, and high concentrate. Although FT did affect animal performance, there were few notable incidences of GG × FT interaction. The elite cows expressed lower daily milk yield (-1 kg) compared with NA. Elite cows did, however, express higher daily concentrations of milk fat (+3.7 g/kg) and protein (+2.1 g/kg) compared with NA. Daily yield of milk solids and net energy of lactation (NE L ) was similar for both GG. Body weight (BW) was greater for NA (+13 kg) compared with elite, whereas mean body condition score was greater (+0.14) for elite compared with NA. Intake did not differ significantly between GG. Intake capacity, expressed as total dry matter intake/100 kg of BW, was greater with elite compared with NA. Production efficiency expressed as yield of milk solids per 100 kg of BW was greater with elite compared with NA, although milk solids/total dry matter intake did not differ between GG. Expressed as NE L as a proportion of net energy intake minus net energy of maintenance (NE L /NE I - NE M ) and NE I /milk solids kg, indicated a slight reduction in the utilization of ingested energy for milk production with elite compared with NA. This is, however, suggested as favorable as it manifested as a more positive energy balance with elite compared with NA and so is likely to enhance robustness, increase longevity, and increase overall lifetime efficiency. Noteworthy was a consistent numerical trend toward more intense grazing activity with elite compared with NA cows, exhibited in the numerically greater grazing time (+19 min) and total number of bites per day (+2,591)., (The Authors. Published by FASS Inc. and Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association®. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).)

We aimed to study the eating behavioral traits that associate with body mass index (BMI) among BMI-discordant twin pairs. This cross-sectional study examined self-reported eating behaviors in 134 healthy young adult twin pairs (57 monozygotic [MZ] and 77 same-sex dizygotic [DZ]), of whom 29 MZ and 46 DZ pairs were BMI discordant (BMI difference ≥ 3 kg/m2). In both MZ and DZ BMI-discordant pairs, the heavier co-twins reported being less capable of regulating their food intake optimally than their leaner co-twins, mainly due to 'frequent overeating'. Furthermore, the heavier co-twins reported augmented 'disinhibited eating', 'binge-eating scores' and 'body dissatisfaction'. The twins agreed more frequently that the heavier co-twins (rather than the leaner co-twins) ate more food in general, and more fatty food, in particular. No significant behavioral differences emerged in BMI-concordant twin pairs. Overeating - measured by 'frequent overeating', 'disinhibited eating' and 'binge-eating score' - was the main behavioral trait associated with higher BMI, independent of genotype and shared environment.

Background & Aims: While environmental factors are presumed to be primary drivers of food timing, preliminary evidence suggests that genetics may be an additional determinant. The aim was to explore the relative contribution of genetics and environmental factors to variation in the timing of food intake in a Spanish twin population. Because chronotype, bedtime and wake time are related to food timing, covariance with food timing was further assessed., Methods: In this observational study, 53 pairs of adult (mean (SD) = 52 (6.03) years) female twins (28 monozygotic; 25 dizygotic) were recruited from the Murcia Twin Register. Zygosity was determined by DNA-testing. Timing of the three main meals of the day was assessed via 7-day dietary records, and the midpoint of food intake was computed by calculating the midpoint between breakfast and dinner times. Chronotype, bedtime and wake time were self-reported. Heritability of food timing and related traits were estimated by comparing monozygotic and dizygotic twin correlations and fitting genetic structural equation models to measured variables., Results: We observed genetic influences for food timing, with highest heritability for the midpoint of food intake (64%) in an overweight/obese population (BMI = 26.01 ± 3.77). Genetic factors contributed to a higher degree to the timing of breakfast (56%) than the timing of lunch (38%) or dinner (n.s.). Similarly, heritability estimates were larger in related behavioral traits earlier on in the day (i.e. wake time, (55%)), than those later on in the day (i.e. bedtime, (38%)). Bivariate analyses revealed a significant genetic overlap between food timing and bedtime and chronotype (rG between 0.78 and 0.91)., Conclusions: Genetic influences appear to account for a significant proportion of the variability in food timing, particularly breakfast. Thus, interventions related to food timing may be more effective when targeting afternoon/evening traits, such as lunch or dinner times. Furthermore, our data suggest shared genetic architecture underlying food timing and phenotypically related traits., Clinical Trial: NCT03059576. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03059576., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Deletion of the leptin receptor from vagal afferent neurons (VAN) using a conditional deletion (Nav1.8/LepR fl/fl ) results in an obese phenotype with increased food intake and lack of exogenous cholecystokinin (CCK)-induced satiation in male mice. Female mice are partially protected from weight gain and increased food intake in response to ingestion of high-fat (HF) diets. However, whether the lack of leptin signaling in VAN leads to an obese phenotype or disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function in female mice is unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that leptin signaling in VAN is essential to maintain estrogen signaling and control of food intake, energy expenditure, and adiposity in female mice. Female Nav1.8/LepR fl/fl mice gained more weight, had increased gonadal fat mass, increased meal number in the dark phase, and increased total food intake compared with wild-type controls. Resting energy expenditure was unaffected. The decrease in food intake produced by intraperitoneal injection of CCK (3 μg/kg body wt) was attenuated in female Nav1.8/LepR fl/fl mice compared with wild-type controls. Intraperitoneal injection of ghrelin (100 μg/kg body wt) increased food intake in Nav1.8/LepR fl/fl mice but not in wild-type controls. Ovarian steroidogenesis was suppressed, resulting in decreased plasma estradiol, which was accompanied by decreased expression of estrogen receptor-1 (Esr1) in VAN but not in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. These data suggest that the absence of leptin signaling in VAN is accompanied by disruption of estrogen signaling in female mice, leading to an obese phenotype possibly via altered control of feeding behavior.

1. The present study was conducted to investigate whether brain somatostatin increases feed intake in neonatal chickens. The mediating role of neuropeptide Y receptors on feed intake induced by somatostatin was investigated. 2. In this study, seven experiments were designed, each with four treatment groups (n = 44 in each experiment). In Experiment 1, chicks received control solution and 0.5, 1 and 2 nmol of somatostatin through intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection. In experiments 2, 3 and 4, chickens were ICV injected with control solution and 1.25, 2.5 and 5 μg of B5063 (NPY 1 receptor antagonist), SF22 (NPY 2 receptor antagonist) and SML0891 (NPY 5 receptor antagonist), respectively. In experiment 5, 6 and 7 chickens received ICV injection of B5063, SF22, SML0891, with a co-injection of + somatostatin, control solution and somatostatin. The cumulative feed intake was measured until 120 min post injection. 3. Somatostatin significantly increased feed intake in FD3 chicks. Both B5063 and SML0891 dose-dependently decreased feed intake compared with the control group, while SF22 led to a dose-dependent increase in feed intake. In addition, the hyperphagic effect of somatostatin significantly decreased with co-injection of B560 plus somatostatin (p < 0.05), but SF22 and SML0891 had no effect on feed intake induced by somatostatin in chicks (p > 0.05). 4. Based on the results of this study, it is likely that somatostatin increased feed intake and NPY 1 receptor acts as a mediator in hyperphagic effect of somatostatin in neonatal chicks.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the association between the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs9939609 in the FTO gene and homeostatic/non-homeostatic eating behavior patterns in Chilean children., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 258 children (44% female; 8-14 y of age). Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, Z-score of height, body mass index, and waist circumference) were performed. Eating behavior was assessed using the Eating in Absence of Hunger Questionnaire; the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire; the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire, and the Food Reinforcement Value Questionnaire. Genotype of rs9939609 was determined by a Taqman assay. Association of rs9939609 with eating behavior was assessed using non-parametric tests., Results: Allelic frequencies of rs9939609 were estimated as 77% for the A allele and 23% for the T allele. We found that normal-weight girl A carriers had higher scores of Satiety Responsiveness and Slowness on the Eating subscale. Normal-weight boy A carriers showed significantly higher scores on the Negative Affect and lower scores of the Desire to Drink subscale. In overweight children, A carriers showed higher scores on the Food Responsiveness, Emotional Overeating, Enjoyment of Food, and Food Choice subscales and lower scores on the Satiety- Responsiveness and Slowness in Eating subscales. In obese children, we found higher scores on the Cognitive Restrained subscale and lower Food Choice., Conclusion: The rs9939609 A allele of the FTO gene is associated with eating behavior traits and may predispose to obesity., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified several genes associated with obesity. The mechanisms through which these genes affect body weight are not fully characterized. Recent studies suggest that eating behavior (EB) traits could be involved, but only a few EB traits were investigated., Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether genetic susceptibility to obesity is mediated by EB traits (cognitive restraint, disinhibition, hunger) and their subscales. We hypothesized that EB traits, and their subscales, partly mediate this association., Design: Adult individuals (n = 768) who participated in the Quebec Family Study were included in this cross-sectional study. A genetic risk score (GRS) of obesity was calculated based on the 97 genetic variants recently identified in a GWAS meta-analysis of body mass index (BMI). EB traits and their subscales were assessed with the use of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire. Regression analyses with age and sex as covariates were used to investigate the associations between GRS, EB traits, BMI, and WC and whether the association between GRS and obesity is mediated by EB traits, which represents the indirect effect of GRS on obesity., Results: The GRS of obesity was positively associated with BMI (β = 0.19 ± 0.04, P < 0.0001) and WC (β = 0.46 ± 0.10, P < 0.0001). Regression analyses also revealed that the association between GRS of obesity and BMI was partly mediated by disinhibition and susceptibility to hunger (βindirect = 0.09 ± 0.03, P = 0.0007, and βindirect = 0.04 ± 0.02, P = 0.02, respectively). Habitual and situational susceptibility to disinhibition (βindirect = 0.08 ± 0.03, P = 0.002 and βindirect = 0.05 ± 0.02, P = 0.003, respectively) as well as internal and external locus of hunger (βindirect = 0.03 ± 0.02, P = 0.03 for both) were also found to mediate the association between GRS of obesity and BMI. The same trends were observed with WC., Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the genetic susceptibility to obesity is partly mediated through undesirable EB traits, which suggests that they could be targeted in obesity treatment and prevention. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03355729.

Purpose of Review: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) using visual food cues provides insight into brain regulation of appetite in humans. This review sought evidence for genetic determinants of these responses., Recent Findings: Echoing behavioral studies of food cue responsiveness, twin study approaches detect significant inherited influences on brain response to food cues. Both polygenic (whole genome) factors and polymorphisms in single genes appear to impact appetite regulation, particularly in brain regions related to satiety perception. Furthermore, genetic confounding might underlie findings linking obesity to stereotypical response patterns on fMRI, i.e., associations with obesity may actually reflect underlying inherited susceptibilities rather than acquired levels of adiposity. Insights from twin studies show that genes powerfully influence brain regulation of appetite, emphasizing the role of inherited susceptibility factors in obesity risk. Future research to delineate mechanisms of inherited obesity risk could lead to novel or more targeted interventional approaches.

Dietary patterns, representing global food supplies rather than specific nutrients or food intakes, have been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality. The contribution of genetic factors in the determination of food intakes, preferences and dietary patterns has been previously established. The current study aimed to identify novel genetic factors associated with reported dietary pattern scores. Reported dietary patterns scores were derived from reported dietary intakes for the preceding month and were obtained through a food frequency questionnaire and genome-wide association study (GWAS) conducted in a study sample of 141 individuals. Reported Prudent and Western dietary patterns demonstrated nominal associations ( p < 1 × 10 -5 ) with 78 and 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), respectively. Among these, SNPs annotated to genes previously associated with neurological disorders, CVD risk factors and obesity were identified. Further assessment of SNPs demonstrated an impact on gene expression levels in blood for SNPs located within/near BCKDHB ( p = 0.02) and the hypothalamic glucosensor PFKFB3 ( p = 0.0004) genes, potentially mediated through an impact on the binding of transcription factors (TFs). Overrepresentations of glucose/energy homeostasis and hormone response TFs were also observed from SNP-surrounding sequences. Results from the current GWAS study suggest an interplay of genes involved in the metabolic response to dietary patterns on obesity, glucose metabolism and food-induced response in the brain in the adoption of dietary patterns., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The regulation of energy in fish, like most vertebrates, is a complex process that involves a number of brain and peripheral hormones. These signals include anorexigenic (e.g. cholecystokinin (CCK) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART)) as well as orexigenic (e.g. orexin and neuropeptide Y (NPY)) peptides. Platyfish, Xiphophorus maculatus, are freshwater viviparous fish for which little is known about the endocrine mechanisms regulating feeding. In order to elucidate the role of these peptides in the regulation of feeding of platyfish, we examined the effects of peripheral injections of CCK and orexin on feeding behavior and food intake. Injections of CCK decreased both food intake and searching behavior, while injections of orexin increased searching behavior but did not affect food consumption. In order to better characterize these peptides, we examined their mRNA tissue distribution and assessed the effects of a 10-day fast on their brain and intestine expressions in both males and females. CCK, CART, NPY and orexin all show widespread distributions in brain and several peripheral tissues, including intestine and gonads. Fasting induced decreases in both CCK and CART and an increase in orexin mRNA expressions in the brain and a decrease in CCK expression in the intestine, but did not affect either expressions of NPY. There were no significant sex-specific differences in either the behavioral responses to injections or the expression responses to fasting. The widespread distribution and the fasting-induced changes in expression of these peptides suggest that they might have several physiological roles in platyfish, including the regulation of feeding., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Childhood eating behaviors are associated with body mass index (BMI). Recent genome-wide association studies have identified many single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with adult and childhood BMI. This study hypothesized that these SNPs also influence eating behavior., Methods: In a population-based prospective cohort study among 3,031 children (mean age [standard deviation]: 4.0 [0.1] years), two weighted genetic risk scores, based on 15 childhood and 97 adult BMI SNPs, and ten individual appetite- and/or satiety-related SNPs were tested for association with food fussiness, food responsiveness, enjoyment of food, satiety responsiveness, and slowness in eating., Results: The 15 SNP-based childhood BMI genetic risk score was not associated with the eating behavior subscales. The 97 SNP-based adult BMI genetic risk score was nominally associated with satiety responsiveness (β: -0.007 standard deviation, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.013, 0.000). Of the 10 individual SNPs, rs11030104 in BDNF and rs10733682 in LMX1B were nominally associated with satiety responsiveness (β: -0.057 standard deviation, 95% CI -0.112, -0.002)., Conclusions: These findings do not strongly support the hypothesis that BMI-associated SNPs also influence eating behavior at this age. A potential role for BMI SNPs in satiety responsiveness during childhood was observed; however, no associations with the other eating behavior subscales were found., (© 2017 The Obesity Society.)

The drive to eat is regulated by two compensatory brain pathways termed as homeostatic and hedonic. Hypothalamic orexinergic (ORX) neurons regulate metabolism, feeding and reward, thus controlling physiological and hedonic appetite. Circadian regulation of feeding, metabolism and rhythmic activity of ORX cells are driven by the brain suprachiasmatic clock. How the circadian clock impacts on ORX signalling and feeding-reward rhythms is, however, unknown. Here we used mice lacking the nuclear receptor REV-ERBα, a transcription repressor and a key component of the molecular clockwork, to study food-reward behaviour. Rev-Erbα mutant mice showed highly motivated behaviours to obtain palatable food, an increase in the intake and preference for tasty diets, and in the expression of the ORX protein in the hypothalamus. Palatable food intake was inhibited in animals treated with the ORX1R antagonist. Analyzing the Orx promoter, we found Retinoic acid-related Orphan receptor Response Element binding sites for Rev-Erbα. Furthermore, Rev-Erbα dampened the activation of Orx in vitro and in vivo. Our data provide evidence for a possible repressive role of Rev-Erbα in the regulation of ORX signalling, highlighting an implication of the circadian clockwork in modulating food-reward behaviours with an important impact for the central regulation of overeating., (© 2015 Society for the Study of Addiction.)

Background: Selection of a healthy diet is the cornerstone for treating obesity and metabolic disease. Unfortunately, the majority of diets fail leading to weight regain and in some cases, pathological feeding behavior. We hypothesize that alternating bouts of caloric overconsumption and caloric restriction, behavioral manifestations of dieting induce neuroendocrine, behavioral and genetic changes that promote future bouts of palatable food intake., Methods: To test this hypothesis, we subjected male Long-Evans rats to a high-fat diet (HFD) feeding paradigm that induced a pattern of caloric overconsumption and caloric restriction. Under these conditions we measured operant responding for sucrose, pre-meal ghrelin secretion, the effects of peripheral ghrelin blockade on patterned feeding, HFD intake in an aversive environment and mRNA expression of the ghrelin receptor, orexin, orexin-1 and 2 receptors, and FTO in the medial prefrontal cortex, lateral hypothalamus and ventral tegmental area., Results: Rats subjected to this feeding regimen displayed increased ghrelin levels prior to HFD exposure and blockade of this response attenuated patterned feeding behavior. In addition, patterned feeding promoted enhanced motivation for sucrose, diminished extinction of this response and increased HFD intake in an aversive environment. The neuroendocrine and behavioral changes correlated with increased hypothalamic expression of the ghrelin receptor and FTO., Conclusion: Collectively, these data indicate that patterns of feeding that include caloric overconsumption and caloric restriction induce neuroendocrine and neurobiological changes that signify an enhanced drive for palatable food.

Telomere length (TL) is recognized as a biomarker of aging and shorter telomeres are linked with shorter lifespan. Inter-individual variability in telomere length is highly heritable. However, there has been a resurgence of interest in the controversial relationship between diet and TL. Evaluating the impact of diet at the food group and dietary pattern level will provide greater insight into the effect of diet on TL dynamics, which are of significant importance in health and longevity. This article reports the first systematic review of the relation between food groups, dietary patterns and TL in human populations based on PRISMA guidelines., Design: PubMed, Science Direct, The Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases were electronically searched for all relevant studies, up to November 2015. Among the 17 included studies, 3 and 10 of them were regarding the effect of dietary patterns and various food groups on TL, respectively. Also, in 4 studies, both dietary patterns and different food groups were assessed in relation to TL. Mediterranean dietary pattern was related to longer TL in 3 studies. Five studies indicated beneficial effect of fruits or vegetables on TL. In 7 studies, a reverse association between TL and intake of cereals, processed meat, and fats and oils was reported. Our systematic review supports the health benefits of adherence to Mediterranean diet on TL. Except for the fruits and vegetables, which showed positive association with TL, results were inconsistent for other dietary factors. Also, certain food categories including processed meat, cereals and sugar-sweetened beverages may be associated with shorter TLs. However, additional epidemiological evidence and clinical trials should be considered in future research in order to develop firm conclusions in this regard.

Background/methods: Melatonin, the neurohormone for darkness, mediates photoperiod-dependent changes in physiology and behavior by targeting specific membrane-bound receptors (MT1 and MT2). In the present study, we investigated the impact of MT1 receptor deficiency on feeding behavior, locomotor activity and mRNA expression levels encoding for the polypeptide pro-opiomelanocortin (Pomc) and neuropeptide Y (Npy) in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) and the adenohypophysis [pars distalis (PD) and pars intermedia (PI)] in a comparison between wild-type (WT) and MT1-deficient (MT1-/-) mice., Results: The MT1-/- mice spent significantly more time feeding than the WT mice, while the general locomotor behavior, body weight and the total amount of food consumed did not differ between both genotypes. The nocturnal expression levels of Pomc in the ARC and PD were significantly higher in WT as compared to MT1-/- mice and exogenous melatonin administered during the light phase stimulated Pomc expression in WT mice only. No differences were found between WT and MT1-/- mice with regard to Pomc expression levels in the PI., Conclusion: Thus, the MT1-mediated signaling stimulates Pomc expression in a region-specific pattern. Since the MT1-mediated changes in Pomc expression do not elicit direct orexigenic or anorexigenic effects, such effects are obviously mediated by regulatory systems downstream of the Pomc mRNA (e.g. cleavage and release of POMC derivatives), which are independent of MT1 signaling., (© 2016 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

In order to decipher the functional involvement of melanin-concentrating hormone 1 (MCH1) receptors in the control of feeding and foraging behaviors, mice with constitutive deletion of MCH1 receptors MCH1R -/- or knockout (KO) were studied and compared to age-matched littermate control mice (MCH1R +/+ or wildtype (WT)). Several challenges to food-motivated behaviors of food-restricted WT and KO mice were implemented. There were no differences between genotypes in the acquisition of a nose-poke response that produced food or in a discrimination between a response that produced food and one that did not. There were also no genotype differences in the rate of extinction of a food-motivated response. However, during the first day of extinction, foraging behaviors were increased significantly more in KO than in WT mice. Likewise, when the response requirement to obtain food was progressively increased, KO mice made significantly more food-directed responses than WT mice. Although adulteration of food with quinine did not suppress food-directed behavior in either genotype when the mice were food-restricted, manipulation of the degree of food-deprivation resulted in suppression of behavior of WT mice without suppressing the behavior of KO mice. Although response-produced foot shock suppressed food-maintained responding of both WT and KO mice, equipotent levels of shock (based upon psychophysical thresholds) suppressed behavior of WT mice without suppressing behavior of the KO mice. Finally, under a Vogel conflict procedure, KO mice had significantly higher levels of both punished and non-punished food maintained responding. Thus, the data from challenges with both appetitive and noxious stimulus challenges support the conclusion that mice with constitutive deletion of MCH1Rs have increased food seeking motivation that is coincident with their higher metabolism. The data also highlight important differences in the biological impact of MCH1 receptor KO and MCH1 receptor antagonism., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introducción: cambios socioculturales como el incremento en el sedentarismo y el consumo de alimentos ricos en grasas y azúcares, sumado a características genéticas, han producido un aumento en las cifras de obesidad a nivel mundial. La evaluación temprana en niños, mediante el establecimiento de perfi les genéticos asociados a obesidad y a la regulación metabólica y hedónica de la alimentación, complementado con estudios de la conducta alimentaria, nos permitiría predecir la predisposición a la obesidad en etapas adultas.Objetivo: revisar los conceptos asociados a la conducta alimenticia, enfocándose en la regulación hedónica, que puede convertirse en un parámetro predictivo de obesidad en niños.Material y métodos: se revisó la bibliografía asociada a obesidad infantil y a la regulación homeostática y hedónica de la obesidad, como también parámetros génicos asociados a la obesidad. En la búsqueda de artículos se incluyó el trabajo en animales y humanos (adultos y niños, pero con énfasis en niños).Resultados: se analizaron los mecanismos celulares de la regulación de la ingesta, así como los estudios de conducta alimentaria en niños, entregando antecedentes y carencias en el desarrollo investigativo para la predicción de la obesidad infantil.Conclusión: la regulación hedónica de la ingesta alimenticia en niños, como perfi les genéticos asociados a receptores de dopamina, puede convertirse en un importante predictor de la obesidad. Es necesario incrementar el número de estudios que permitan defi nir de mejor forma, cuáles son los mejores parámetros para predecir el desarrollo de la obesidad adulta.

Ghrelin, a peptide hormone produced by the stomach, is the endogenous ligand for the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor (GHSR). Ghrelin acts on the GHSR to increase food intake, appetitive behaviors, and adiposity. Recently, a rat model with a null mutation to the GHSR gene (FHH-GHSR(m1/Mcwi)) was generated and used in behavioral studies, but the basic metabolic phenotype of this strain as well as that of the background strain (Fawn Hooded Hypertensive, FHH) has not been characterized in detail. Here we compared male FHH-GHSR(m1/Mcwi) rats with their wild-type littermates (FHH-WT) in a number of metabolic parameters. In the 24h of recovery following an acute overnight fast, FHH-GHSR(m1/Mcwi) rats consumed less food than FHH-WT animals, and relative to their body weights, adult FHH-GHSR(m1/Mcwi) rats consumed fewer calories when placed on a high-fat diet. Despite this, FHH-GHSR(m1/Mcwi) rats did not show a difference in diet-induced obesity or weight gain. Fasted FHH-GHSR(m1/Mcwi) rats exhibited increased Agouti-Related Peptide (AgRP) and Neuropeptide Y (NPY) expression in the Arcuate Nucleus (ARC), indicative of altered central regulation of feeding and energy balance. FHH-GHSR(m1/Mcwi) rats exhibited lower levels of home cage locomotor behavior over the entire light/dark cycle, and reduced levels of food anticipatory activity when placed on a restricted feeding schedule. Finally, FHH-GHSR(m1/Mcwi) rats consumed less of a palatable dessert (cookie dough) given after the completion of the scheduled meal. Altogether, our data show that rats lacking a functional GHSR tend to eat less than their wild-type counterparts in the face of acute fasts, chronic high-fat diet exposure, and exposure to a palatable dessert, despite not showing differences in body weight and glucose homeostasis that are characteristic of GHSR null mice. These data indicate that many, but not all responses to GHSR ablation are conserved between rats and mice. The FHH-GHSR(m1/Mcwi) rat thus represents a novel and useful model for studying GHSR function in rats., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Tributyltin (TBT) can induce obesogen response. However, little is known about the adverse effects of TBT on food intake and energy metabolism. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of TBT, at environmental concentrations of 2.44 and 24.4 ng/L (1 and 10 ng/L as Sn), on feeding and energy metabolism in goldfish (Carassius auratus). After exposure for 54 d, TBT increased the weight gain and food intake in fish. The patterns of brain neuropeptide genes expression were in line with potential orexigenic effects, with increased expression of neuropeptide Y and apelin, and decreased expression of pro-opiomelanocortin, ghrelin, cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript, and corticotropin-releasing factor. Interestingly, the energy metabolism indicators (oxygen consumption, ammonia exertion and swimming activity) and the serum thyroid hormones were all significantly increased at the 2.44 ng/L TBT group in fish. However, no changes of energy metabolism indicators or a decrease of thyroid hormones was found at the 24.4 ng/L TBT group, which indicated a complex disrupting effect on metabolism of TBT. In short, TBT can alter feeding and energy metabolism in fish, which might promote the obesogenic responses., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Feeding is an instinctive behavior accompanied by rewarding feeling of pleasure during obtaining and ingesting food, corresponding to the preparatory and consummatory phases of motivated behavior, respectively. Perception of this emotional state together with alternating feelings of hunger and satiety drives the feeding behavior. Because alterations of feeding behavior including either overeating or anorexia may lead to obesity and cachexia, respectively, understanding the neurochemical mechanisms of regulation of feeding pleasure may help to develop new therapies of these diseases. The dopamine (DA) system of the mesolimbic projections plays a key role in behavioral reward in general and is also involved in regulating feeding-associated pleasure in the forebrain including the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA). It suggests that this DA system can be selectively activated by factors specific to different types of motivated behavior including hunger- and satiety- related hormones. Indeed, central administrations of either orexigenic ghrelin or anorexigenic α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) increase DA release in the NAc. However, DA has also been shown to inhibit food intake when injected into the LHA, historically known as a « hunger center », indicating DA functional involvement in regulation of both appetite and feeding pleasure. Although both NAc and LHA contain neurons expressing melanocortin receptors, only the LHA receives the α-MSH containing nerve terminals from the α-MSH producing neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, the main relay of the peripheral hunger and satiety signals to the brain. A recent study showed that α-MSH in the LHA enhances satiety and inhibits feeding pleasure while potently stimulating DA release in this area during both preparatory and consummatory phases of feeding. It suggests that altered signaling by α-MSH to the DA system in the LHA may be involved in the pathophysiology of obesity and anorexia and the possible underlying mechanisms are discussed., (© Société de Biologie, 2017.)

This review includes relevant twin studies conducted on eating habits and preferences, and on endophenotypes of disordered eating behaviour in general population, non-clinical settings. The twin study design is presented, along with its assumptions and possible applications in aetiological and public health epidemiology. Subsequently, the strategy for the search of the scientific literature and the exclusion criteria are reported. Then, the analysis of the studies included in this review is performed, with a brief description of targeted outcomes, twin model used, sample characteristics and findings. Finally, key messages emerging from the review are highlighted, emphasizing their value for bridging the current gaps in the understanding of determinants of eating behaviour and their mode of action.

Taste blindness to the bitterness of PROP (6-n-propylthiouracil) has been used as a genetic marker for food selection and adiposity. We have shown that PROP non-taster (NT) women have higher BMIs and habitually consume more fat and energy than either medium-taster (MT) or super-taster (ST) women. These data imply that differences in dietary selection underlie the body weight differences among PROP taster groups. However, no studies investigated energy compensation in women classified by PROP status. We investigated if NTs would compensate less accurately for the calories and fat in a high-fat soup preload in a subsequent test meal compared to MTs and STs. Energy intake from a buffet meal was measured in 75 healthy non-diet-restrained, lean women 30 min after the ingestion of a high-fat soup preload (0.8 kcal/g; 55% calories from fat), calculated to represent 10% of resting energy expenditure for each subject, or the same volume of water. Subjects (n = 20-28/taster group) ate a standard breakfast followed 3 hr later by an ad-libitum buffet lunch, on two occasions. There were no differences in energy intake or macronutrient selection across taster groups after water. After soup, NTs consumed more energy than STs. Fat intake (as %-energy) was higher in NTs (46.4% ± 2.4) compared to either MTs (36.1 ± 1.9%) or STs (38.1% ± 2.3; p < 0.05). NTs overate by 11% ± 5 after the soup compared to MTs and STs who underrate by 16% ± 6 and 26% ± 10, respectively (p < 0.01). These data suggest that small discrepancies in short-term energy compensation and selection of fat after a mixed-nutrient, high-fat preload may play a role in positive energy balance and increased adiposity in women with the PROP non-taster phenotype., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The Beef Improvement Federation recommends residual feed intake (RFI) be calculated from 70-d tests preceded by a 21-d adjustment period. Individual animal feed intake and gain measurements are expensive and time consuming, which limits the number of animals available for national genetic evaluation of feed intake. If a shorter test period of comparable accuracy could be used, the cost would decrease and more animals could be tested annually. The objective of this study was to determine if data from shortened tests is equally as predictive of average daily DMI (ADMI) and RFI values from 70-d tests. Feed intake and weight measures were collected after weaning from Bos taurus bulls, steers, and heifers (n = 612) during four 70-d performance tests. For each individual, ADMI and RFI were calculated. Residual feed intake was calculated by regressing ADMI on metabolic midweight (MMWT) and ADG with the effect of breed included where appropriate. Based on four 70-d intake tests, ADMI, RFI, ADG, and MMWT were evaluated using shortened test lengths in a post hoc analysis where shortened test lengths were imposed on the full-period tests. The ADMI, RFI, ADG, and MMWT values from the full 70-d test were regressed on ADMI, RFI, ADG, and MMWT values resulting from the constructed shorter data subsets. The 8 subsets ranged from 14 to 56 d in length. The fixed effects of test, breed, animal's origin, and sex were included in each comparison for ADMI, ADG, and MMWT. Estimates for regression coefficients of ADMI values from a full test on various subsets ranged from 0.63 to 1.02. Likewise, estimated coefficients obtained from the regression of full test RFI, ADG, and MMWT values on subsets ranged from 0.50 to 1.00, 0.09 to 0.85, and 0.48 to 1.02, respectively. We conclude that ADMI values from a 42-d test ( < 0.0001) and RFI values from a 56-d test (P < 0.0001) adequately predict ADMI and RFI when compared to a 70-d test. These results suggest that testing periods of 42 d for determining ADMI and 56 d for RFI could ultimately reduce testing costs and result in collection of data on a larger number of animals per year, in turn resulting in more data for genetic evaluation.

Feeding efficiency is a multifactorial and economically important trait in pigs. Genetic improvement of feeding efficiency will greatly benefit the pig industry. In the past decades, the hog market weight has increased worldwide. However, whether the genetic architecture of feeding efficiency is same or not at early and late fattening periods is unclear. To map genomic regions for feed efficiency and feeding behavior traits at early (n ≥ 384) and late (n ≥ 334) growth stages in pigs, we performed genomewide association studies for feed to gain ratio (FCR), residual feed intake (RFI), daily feed intake, daily visit times, daily feeding time (DFT), feed intake per second (FIPS), and feed intake per visit during 3 periods (2 stages and overall) in a White Duroc × Erhualian F2 intercross population. Six chromosomal regions showed significant association with these traits, of which 4 loci were reported for the first time. Our results confirmed the QTL of FCR around 34 Mb on SSC7 and RFI around 134 Mb on SSC12. Of note, 2 regions were associated with more than 1 trait. One was around 36 Mb on SSC7, and there were 47 and 67 SNP associated with FCR from 120 to 210 and from 120 to 240 d, respectively. The top SNP is located in a 2.88-Mb linkage disequilibrium (LD) block that harbors 44 genes. We propose the high mobility group AT-hook 1 gene as a plausible candidate gene in this region. The other was evidenced around 53 Mb on SSC12, which had multiple association signals for DFT and FIPS. The top SNP is located in a 211-kb LD block that harbors only 1 annotated gene, WSCD1, which encodes a protein with sulfotransferase activity and involves the glucose metabolism and, therefore, appears to be a plausible candidate gene. Except the region on SSC12 associated with DFT at both stages, the rest of the regions associated with the traits at only 1 stage, so the genetic architectures of the 2 stages are not same.

Although overweight and obesity are associated with poor health outcomes in the elderly, the biological bases of obesity-related behaviors during aging are poorly understood. Common variants in the FTO gene are associated with adiposity in children and younger adults as well as with adverse mental health in older individuals. However, it is unclear whether FTO influences longitudinal trajectories of adiposity and other intermediate phenotypes relevant to mental health during aging. We examined whether a commonly carried obesity-risk variant in the FTO gene (rs1421085 single-nucleotide polymorphism) influences adiposity and is associated with changes in brain function in participants within the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, one of the longest-running longitudinal aging studies in the United States. Our results show that obesity-related risk allele carriers of FTO gene show dose-dependent increments in body mass index during aging. Moreover, the obesity-related risk allele is associated with reduced medial prefrontal cortical function during aging. Consistent with reduced brain function in regions intrinsic to impulse control and taste responsiveness, risk allele carriers of FTO exhibit dose-dependent increments in both impulsivity and intake of fatty foods. We propose that a common neural mechanism may underlie obesity-associated impulsivity and increased consumption of high-calorie foods during aging.

The mammalian circadian system is controlled not only by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), but also by the peripheral clocks located in tissues such as liver, kidney, small intestine, and colon, mediated through signals such as hormones. Peripheral clocks, but not the SCN, can be entrained by food intake schedules. While it is known that cell proliferation exhibits a circadian rhythm in the colon epithelium, it is unclear how this rhythm is influenced by food intake schedules. Here, we aimed to determine the relationships between feeding schedules and cell proliferation in the colon epithelium by means of immunochemical analysis, using 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), as well as to elucidate how feeding schedules influence the colonic expression of clock and cell cycle genes, using real-time reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation in the colonic epithelium of normal mice exhibited a daily fluctuation, which was abrogated in Clock mutant mice. The day/night pattern of cellular proliferation and clock gene expression under daytime and nighttime restricted feeding (RF) schedules showed opposite tendencies. While daytime RF for every 4 h attenuated the day/night pattern of cell proliferation, this was restored to normal in the Clock mutant mice under the nighttime RF schedule. These results suggest that feeding schedules contribute to the establishment of a daily fluctuation of cell proliferation and RF can recover it in Clock mutant mice. Thus, this study demonstrates that the daily fluctuation of cell proliferation in the murine colon is controlled by a circadian feeding rhythm, suggesting that feeding schedules are important for rhythmicity in the proliferation of colon cells.

While food addiction has no formally-recognized definition, it is typically operationalized according to the diagnostic principles established by the Yale Food Addiction Scale-an inventory based on the symptom criteria for substance dependence in the DSM-IV. Currently, there is little biologically-based research investigating the risk factors for food addiction. What does exist has focused almost exclusively on dopaminergic reward pathways in the brain. While brain opioid signaling has also been strongly implicated in the control of food intake, there is no research examining this neural circuitry in the association with food addiction. The purpose of the study was therefore to test a model predicting that a stronger activation potential of opioid circuitry-as indicated by the functional A118G marker of the mu-opioid receptor gene-would serve as an indirect risk factor for food addiction via a heightened hedonic responsiveness to palatable food. Results confirmed these relationships. In addition, our findings that the food-addiction group had significantly higher levels of hedonic responsiveness to food suggests that this bio-behavioral trait may foster a proneness to overeating, to episodes of binge eating, and ultimately to a compulsive and addictive pattern of food intake.

In most species, food intake is influenced by olfactory cues and metabolic status can affect the olfactory function of animals and regulate feeding-related behaviors. We investigated whether modulation of the endocrine system that regulates or modifies energy balance affected the olfactory system by examining four rat strains, obese Zucker and obesity-resistant Lou/C rats and their counterparts. Such models were chosen because they differ largely in their energy status and in their insulin and leptin blood levels, two hormones known to impact olfactory behaviors. After evaluation of the main metabolic parameters, we analyzed the food-driven olfactory behaviors of the four strains by measuring general activity time and sniffing time in response to food cues together with food reward localization performances in fed and fasted states. In fed conditions, obese Zucker and Wistar rats exhibited a great interest for food odor, which was not enhanced by fasting, in contrast to Lou/C and Zucker lean rats. All strains, except Lou/C, showed decreased latencies to find a hidden food reward with time, whereas a 24-h fasting was necessary to improve food search performances in Lou/C. These metabolic and behavioral changes were partly associated with variations in the transcription profiles of leptin, insulin and orexin and their receptors in the hypothalamus and olfactory system. The results show that variations in metabolic-related genes expression along the olfactory pathways comes with obesity in influencing food odors-driven behaviors. Our data indicate that food-olfactory driven behaviors are clearly affected by the long-term metabolic status., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

New approaches to limit expenses associated with input, without compromising profit, are needed in the beef industry. Residual feed intake (RFI) is an efficiency trait that measures variation in feed intake beyond maintenance, growth, and body composition. The addition of feeding behavior analysis to standard RFI tests may provide an approach to more readily identify feed-efficient cattle. The current study analyzes 7 feeding behaviors (BVFREQ: bunk visit frequency, BVDUR: bunk visit duration, FBFREQ: feed bout frequency, FBDUR: feed bout duration, MFREQ: meal frequency, MDUR: meal duration, and AMINT: average meal intake) and their relationships with RFI, ADG, and DMI in Japanese Black (Wagyu) cattle. Three cohorts of yearling Wagyu animals were studied using a standard 70-d RFI test, and data from divergent ( ± 0.5 SD from population RFI mean) subsets of animals were analyzed for feeding behaviors [n = 58, bulls on high-concentrate diet (C1); n = 36, bulls on a lower-concentrate diet (C2); n = 34, heifers on a lower-concentrate diet (C3)]. The following behaviors were correlated with ADG: BVFREQ (r = 0.32, P = 0.01; C1 bulls), BVDUR (r = 0.42, P = 0.01, C2 bulls), FBFREQ (r = 0.37, P < 0.01; C1 bulls), FBDUR (r = 0.46, P < 0.01, C1 bulls), and MFREQ (r = 0.42, P < 0.01, C2 bulls). Behaviors were trending or significantly correlated with DMI for all cases except for MFREQ for C3 and AMINT for C2. Residual feed intake was positively correlated with MDUR across all cohorts (r = 0.31, P = 0.02; r = 0.38, P = 0.02; r = 0.54, P ≥ 0.01, respectively). For C2 bulls and C3 heifers, RFI was positively correlated with behavior frequency categories (BVFREQ; r = 0.44, P = 0.01; r = 0.60, P ≤ 0.01, respectively, and FBFREQ r = 0.46, P ≤ 0.01; r = 0.60, P ≤ 0.01, respectively). Bunk visit frequency and FBFREQ were highly correlated with RFI status (high or low) in C2 bulls and C3 heifers. Behavior duration categories (BVDUR, FBDUR, and MDUR) were most correlated with efficiency status in C1 bulls. However, behavior frequency categories (BVFREQ and FBFREQ), as well as MDUR, were most correlated with efficiency status in C2 bulls and C3 heifers. Inclusion of meal duration measurements when evaluating RFI provides an additional tool in understanding the drivers of variation in this important trait in Wagyu cattle. The present study provides new insights into feed intake patterns of a beef breed for which there are few reports of feeding behavior.

Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene mutations are involved in the leptin-melanocortin pathways that control food intake. The effect of these mutations on eating behavior phenotypes is still debated. To determine the association between functional MC4R mutations and eating behaviors, dietary intake and physical activity, we sequenced the MC4R gene in 4653 obese adults. Among them, 19 adults carriers of functional MC4R mutation were matched on age, sex and body mass index with two randomly-paired controls without MC4R mutation (n=57). We found that eating behaviors and physical activity did not differ between groups. In particular, cases were not at increased risk of binge eating disorders. Subjects carriers of MC4R mutation reported a higher proportion of dietary carbohydrates intakes (43.2±7.1 and 39.2±8.1% of total energy intake, respectively, P=0.048) and a lower proportion of dietary lipids (34.3±6.7 and 38.5±6.7% of total energy intake, respectively, P=0.018). In conclusion, mutation carriers differ from controls by a higher consumption of carbohydrates counterbalanced by a lower consumption of lipids expressed as percentage of total energy intake. However, functional MC4R mutations do not have a higher risk of compulsive eating contrary to what was previously suggested.