Implicit wanting and explicit liking are markers for trait binge eating. A susceptible phenotype for overeating

The present study used a measure of trait binge eating (Binge Eating Scale; BES) to examine its association with behavioural markers of appetite and food reward. Non-obese female participants consumed a preload before freely selecting and consuming from a test meal. Subjective hunger and hedonic measures of explicit liking and implicit wanting for food were obtained. Food selection and intake of the test meal were measured. Findings were compared according to individual differences in trait binge eating. BES scores correlated with BMI, food intake and selection of high fat sweet foods in the test meal. Comparison of BES scores revealed that higher scores were associated with weaker suppression of hunger after the preload, greater explicit liking for food generally, and increased implicit wanting for high fat sweet food. Trait binge eating is functional at low levels and implicit wanting measured simultaneously with explicit liking may be useful markers for reward-driven overconsumption in this susceptible phenotype.

► Trait binge eating assessed as phenotype of reward-driven eating.
► Psychological markers of appetite examined including measures of hunger, explicit liking and implicit wanting.
► Higher scorers consumed more food, especially high fat sweet food.
► Higher scorers showed increased explicit liking in general and greater implicit wanting for high fat sweet foods.
► Implicit wanting and explicit liking are markers for reward-driven eating in this susceptible phenotype.