| Body weight is regulated by a multitude of factors that influence intake. A new model of intake regulation developed by de Castro and Plunkett ( in press) illustrates how a myriad of important variables interact to influence overall intake. Compensated factors influence intake and, in turn, are affected by the changes produced. This relation forms a negative feedback system that is based upon physiological changes. On the other hand, uncompensated factors influence intake but are not reciprocally affected by the changes produced. Further, the magnitude of effect of these influences varies depending on the individual. Thus, the environment, physiology, and genes all interact to influence intake and ultimately body weight.; The present experiment was designed to investigate the compensation that occurs when there is a specific change in compensated factors produced by a 24 hour fast. In the Mormon religion, individuals refrain from food and drink for 24 hours the first Sunday of every month. In order to maintain body weight there is a need to compensate for the lost calories. How and when this compensation occurs was the focus of the present study.; Mormon individuals were asked to complete a 14 day diet diary and were randomly divided into two groups. One group recorded intake one week prior to and one week after the fast, and the other group recorded intake during two non-fasting weeks. Intake differences within and between conditions were evaluated for daily, weekly, weekday, and weekend comparisons.; The present findings indicate that compensation begins to occur partially immediately following the fast, but compensation also can be detected as late as 6 days after the fast. It appears that fasting participants made up the lost calories with larger meals, although meal pattern intake continued to follow its normal daily and weekly rhythm. Thus, 24 hours of deprivation may not lead to aberrant eating patterns, but a compensation that occurs over time through increases in meal size. This indicates that the magnitude of effect of compensated factors on intake in response to deprivation is weak and may be inhibited by uncompensated factors during weekdays. |
