Developmental Changes in Food Perception and Preference

Food choices are a key determinant of dietary intake, with brain regions, such as the mesolimbic and prefrontal cortex maturing at differential rates into adulthood. More needs to be understood about developmental changes in healthy unhealthy food perceptions preference. We investigated how preference vary function age attributes (taste health) impact age-related changes. One hundred thirty-nine participants (8–23 years, 60 females) completed computerized tasks rate high-calorie low-calorie cues for taste, health, liking (preference), followed by 100 binary based on each participant’s ratings. Dietary self-control was considered successful when healthier (vs. tastier) chosen. Self-control success ratio proportion trials over total number choices. Beta-weights health (β-health) taste (β-taste) were calculated attribute’s influence Adiposity measurements included BMI z-score waist-to-height (WHtR). High-calorie foods rated more tasty less increasing age. Older liked younger participants), β-taste associated Significant age-by-WHtR interactions observed ratings foods, β-taste, marginally foods. Stratifying WHtR (high, low), we found increases high group alone. In contrast, decreases significant low Age significantly only WHtR. Although age, there no association between Participants made faster regardless WHtR, interaction reaction time (RT). There effects β-health. These results suggest that individual differences central adiposity play an important role higher importance tastiness choice may contribute greater