Changes in Gustatory Function and Taste Preference Following Weight Loss

Abstract

Objective: To investigate taste changes of obese children during an inpatient weight reduction treatment in comparison with normal weight children.

Study design: Obese (n = 60) and normal weight (n = 27) children aged 9-17 years were assessed for gustatory functions using taste strips (taste identification test for the taste qualities sour, salty, sweet, and bitter), taste preferences, and experienced taste sensitivity. Obese children were examined upon admission (T1) and before discharge (T2). Normal weight children served as the control group.

Results: Irrespective of taste quality, obese children exhibited a lower ability to identify taste (total taste score) than normal weight children (P < .01); this overall score remained stable during inpatient treatment in obese children. Group and treatment effects were seen when evaluating individual taste qualities. In comparison with normal weight children, obese children exhibited poorer sour taste identification performance (P < .01). Obese children showed improvement in sour taste identification (P < .001) and deterioration in sweet taste identification (P < .001) following treatment. Subjective reports revealed a lower preference for sour taste in obese children compared with normal weight children (P < .05). The sweet and bitter taste ability at T1 predicted the body mass index z score at T2 (R² = .23, P < .01).

Conclusions: We identified differences in the ability to discriminate tastes and in subjective taste perception between groups. Our findings of increased sour and reduced sweet taste discrimination after the intervention in obese children are indicative of an exposure-related effect on taste performance, possibly mediated by increased acid and reduced sugar consumption during the intervention. Because the sweet and bitter taste ability at T1 predicted weight loss, addressing gustatory function could be relevant in individualized obesity treatment approaches.

Trial registration: Germanctr.de: DRKS00005122.

Keywords: adolescents; children; inpatient; obesity; preference; taste; weight loss.