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. 2017 Jan 11;8(1):184S–196S. doi: 10.3945/an.116.012831

TABLE 2.

Summary of the research recommendations for studies examining the effect of breakfast on appetite

Limitation Recommendations Implications
Subjective motivation-to-eat visual analog scale was developed for adults, not children Develop and adopt a standardized, reliable, and valid scale for assessing subjective feelings of appetite in children (i.e., pictorial- or silhouette-based satiety scales). Provides an opportunity to apply satiety health claims on optimized child-directed products that may help promote healthier body weights and attenuate the risk of developing chronic disease.
Inconsistences in study designs as to when food intake is assessed (i.e., varying times between breakfast consumption and subsequent meal) Consider using delay intervals that are reflective of typical snack consumption patterns, and consider the appropriateness of the test food and/or meal in relation to the time of day. More securely assesses the effects of a preload or snack on food intake suppression and satiety in a real world–relevant manner.
Inconsistences in study designs as to how food intake is assessed (i.e., single vs. buffet meal can influence feelings of hunger) Use study designs that are ecologically relevant (i.e., fixed meal sizes and lower food variety are more reflective of real-world eating environments).
Lack of accounting for differences in physiology (e.g., excess adipose tissue may influence satiety signals; effect of sex hormones on food intake regulation is unknown) Use study designs to explore the effects of physiology and sex on food intake control. Provides researchers and clinicians with a targeted understanding of the physiological factors regulating food intake. Furthermore, it may provide relevant information to assist participants and patients in weight-loss strategies.