How is reward sensitivity related to bodyweight in children?

Previous research assumes that there are two seemingly opposing hypotheses for the relation between reward sensitivity (RS) and bodyweight: hyper-responsiveness model and Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS), leading to the proposition of a feed forward process of weight gain. High RS may contribute to overeating and weight-gain among normal weight individuals. Over time the excessive food-intake may evolve in a down-regulation of dopamine (RDS), resulting in overeating as a form of self-medication and the progression to obesity. This process was evidenced in adults showing a curvi-linear relationship between self-reported RS and BMI. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between self-reported RS and BMI in children (10–15 years). The results confirm the non-linear relationship between RS and bodyweight and support the suggestion of the same feed forward process in children. These findings imply that it is crucial to reduce the intake of high palatable foods in high RS children to prevent the decrease in RS and reduce the risk for future weight gain.

► We demonstrate a quadratic association between reward sensitivity (RS) and BMI in healthy children.
► A positive association between RS and BMI was found in normal weight and overweight children.
► A negative association was found among children with obesity.
► Initial high RS may decrease due to diet-induced changes in the brain fostering further overeating.