Individual differences and preference for dietary fat using the Fat Preference Questionnaire© in a UK sample

Dietary fat is a fundamental contributor to the selection of food largely due to its pleasant orosensory characteristics. Consequently high fat foods are often over eaten leading to weight gain and in severe cases, obesity. This paper presents two studies investigating preference for fat. Study 1 is a large-scale questionnaire study which produced both UK normative data for the Fat Preference Questionnaire© and the first normative data for males. The results suggest that the Fat Preference Questionnaire© is a reliable and valid measure of fat preference in a UK population, although some changes to the measure are recommended. Female data was found to closely mirror the existing US data. Sex differences were established in scores of preference for high fat foods and quantities eaten. Study 2 investigated the extent to which individual difference in eating behaviour, body mass and personality predict preference for dietary fat. High scores in Dietary Restraint were found to be the best predictor of high fat intake, especially dietary restraint specific to fat. Personality weakly predicted preference for dietary fat, and high BMI was associated with high intake of fat.

► We present the first UK and male data for the Fat Preference Questionnaire©. ► We also examine individual differences in fat preference. ► The Fat Preference Questionnaire© is recommended for use in a UK population and to examine fat preference in males. ► Cognitive Dietary Restraint and BMI were the main outcome variables of fat preference.