Research Symposium

BIO

I am from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, majoring in Food and Nutrition Science and Dietetics. My research interests include the gut microbiome, restrictive eating, and orthorexia.

Exploring Restrictive Eating Patterns and Food Decision-Making

Abstract

This research project examines how food cues and calorie labels impact the food choices of individuals with restrictive eating patterns (i.e., dieting or avoiding certain foods to avoid weight gain). Existing literature on this topic explores the sensory availability of food, the role of stress in food decision-making, and the influence of calorie labels on selections. Investigating whether and how calorie labeling is effective is valuable, as the way food is presented can significantly affect consumer reactions and decision-making. In this study, participants are equipped with 15 sensors that collect physiological data, including heart rate, skin conductivity, facial electromyography, and eye tracking. These metrics index cognitive and emotional processing of the menu information. These data are gathered while participants complete a survey displaying an array of food items from popular fast-food chains in different formats. Each participant is asked to select a typical meal, with the option to choose multiple items but required to select at least one. The amount of calories selected for each typical meal will be analyzed as well. While data collection is still ongoing, we anticipate that individuals with restrictive eating habits will pay greater attention to calorie labels and be more likely to choose foods with lower energy density, or fewer calories per bite. However, we also expect that the visual presentation of lower energy-density foods may decrease the likelihood of selection. These findings have important implications for how food is marketed to consumers and for enhancing public awareness of food choices and nutritional knowledge.

Keywords: food, restrictive eating, food decision, calorie