Subjective Social Status and Energy Balance

Subjective social status (SSS) is inversely associated with body fatness. The physiological and psychological effects of low social status may spur increased energy intake as a strategy to buffer against future food scarcity. Investigators' central hypothesis is that females with low SSS will not compensate for excess calorie consumption in a single large meal as well as individuals with high SSS, and will therefore remain in positive energy balance leading to body fat gain in response to daily large meals. Investigators' objective is to understand the influence of SSS on eating behavior, weight gain, and energetic compensation. Investigators conducted a 14-day feeding protocol that consisted of consumption of a lunch-time meal that was 60% of participants' estimated 24-hour energy requirements each day in female participants between 20-50 years, with a body mass index between 25- 30 kg/m2. Free-living food intake was recorded using the Remote Food Photography Method outside of the lab on days 1-2 (early), 7-8 (middle), and 12-13 (late), to measure compensation in response to the large lunch. 24-Hour energy balance, 24 hour intake and post-lunch energy intake were calculated for those days. Investigators measured body composition using Dual energy x ray absorptiometry (DXA), weight and resting energy expenditure at the baseline and at the end of the 14 days of the intervention.

Inclusion criteria

• between 20-50 years
• body mass index between 25- 30 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

• food allergies or food restrictions
• engaged in any weight reduction program within the past 3 months
• experienced any weight loss or gain of >5% of body weight in the past 6 months for any reason except post-partum weight loss
• taking any medication that suppresses or stimulates appetite
• undergone prior surgical procedures for weight control or liposuction
• current smoker or has not smoked in less than 6 months
• any major diseases including active cancer or cancer requiring treatment in the past 2 years (except non-melanoma skin cancer)
• active or chronic infections (e.g., HIV or TB)
• cardiovascular disease or event including hospitalization or therapeutic procedures for treatment of heart disease in the past 6 months
• gastrointestinal disease
• kidney disease
• chronic obstructive airway disease requiring use of oxygen (e.g., emphysema or chronic bronchitis)
• diabetes (type 1 or 2) and taking any anti-diabetic medications and/or controlling the disease via dietary manipulations
• uncontrolled psychiatric disease
• a recent or ongoing problem with drug abuse or addiction
• consume more than three alcoholic drinks per day and has had 7 or more alcoholic beverages in a 24 hour period in the last 12 months
• pregnant or less than 3 months post-partum
• currently nursing or within 6 weeks of having completed nursing
• anticipating a possible pregnancy during the study