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Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to examine the role of physiological and cognitive factors in eating patterns of bulimic women; more specifically, the effect of a preload food on subsequent eating behavior. Twelve bulimic women participated in this study which employed a repeated measures design. On each trial subjects were exposed to one of three pudding preloads (varying in macronutrient content) or no pudding preload. Subjective ratings of hunger after the preload administration and amount of cookies eaten in a later "taste test" were measured. Between groups differences with respect to the amount of cookies eaten were not statistically significant. Subjective reports of hunger, prior to the taste test were statistically significantly greater in the no preload condition than the other preload conditions. Similar hunger ratings were reported after the high carbohydrate pudding was consumed. Statistically significantly less hunger (greater satiety) was reported after ingestion of the low calorie and high fat puddings than after no pudding preload. The results were interpreted as lacking support for the cognitive disinhibition theory as it applies to bulimia. It was concluded that satiety mechanisms of bulimic women may be impaired as a result of restrictive dieting. Areas for future research were outlined.