Is the impact of adiposity on taste perceptions moderated by chronic physical exercise? An overview of the data from NHANES 2013-2014.

Oral Presentation C13.3

Authors

  • Alexandre-Charles Gauthier Université de Montréal
  • Johannes Frasnelli Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
  • Vicky Drapeau Université Laval
  • Miguel Chagnon Université de Montréal
  • Marie-Eve Mathieu Université de Montréal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.727

Keywords:

Exercise, Physical Activity, Taste Perceptions, Adiposity, Chemosensory

Abstract

Introduction: Taste is a key sensory modulator of eating behaviour and thus energy intake. The effect of acute exercise has recently been confirmed especially regarding sweet and salty taste qualities. Physical activity is a safe and effective countermeasure to certain types of chemosensory loss, especially in older populations. Knowing that taste can be impaired with increased adiposity, it is unknown if the adoption of an active lifestyle on a regular basis can mitigate such impairments. Methods: Data were extracted from NHANES 2013-2014 database. Perception of salt and bitter taste for Tongue Tip Test and Whole Mouth Test, physical activity levels over an 8-9-day period and adiposity were analyzed. Moderation analyses were used to study the impact of adiposity on taste perceptions, with physical activity level as the moderator. Results: The 197 participants (130 males) included in this project had a mean±standard deviation age of 49.1±5.2 years, a mean body fat percentage of 31.7±7.6% and mean daily physical activity levels of 11 084±3531 MIMS. The positive association between adiposity and both bitter Tongue Tip Test and overall result (salt+bitter) of Tongue Tip Test were moderated by the adoption of an active lifestyle, with better taste scores observed in individuals achieving higher physical activity levels. When moderation analysis were stratified for gender, the effect of physical activity was no longer significant. Perspectives: This study is the first to evaluate the influence of an active lifestyle to preserve some taste perceptions across a wide range of adiposity levels. While differences in taste can be observed regarding body fat percentage, physical activity moderate that relation only when men and women are analysed together.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Gauthier, A.-C., Frasnelli, J., Drapeau, V., Chagnon, M., & Mathieu, M.-E. (2021). Is the impact of adiposity on taste perceptions moderated by chronic physical exercise? An overview of the data from NHANES 2013-2014.: Oral Presentation C13.3. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.727