A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on the Effect of Food Primes on Food Intake

Abstract

Previous evidence suggests exposing humans to food-related cues increases food intake (positive food primes) while showing weight-related cues seemed to reduce food intake (negative food primes). This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to verify this dichotomous role of food primes. MethodsUsing selected terms, we searched the PubMed and PsycINFO databases. The effect size was calculated based on the change in mean food intake, standard deviation, and sample size from the included studies. A random-effects model was used in the meta-analysis. Results Forty-three studies were eligible based on our inclusion criteria. Positive food primes significantly increased food intake after exposure (SMD: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.8). On the other hand, negative food primes did not have a significant effect on food intake (SMD: -0.87, 95% CI: -1.88 to 0.13). ConclusionsExposure to positive food primes increases subsequent food intake. Negative food primes did not have any effect. Further research is needed to assess the impact of positive food prime on different populations and to examine the mechanisms of food primes.