International Journal of Obesity (2004) 28, 933–935. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0802660 Published online 27 April 2004
A Pavlovian approach to the problem of obesity
T L Davidson1 and S E Swithers1
1Department of Psychological Sciences, Ingestive Behavior Research Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
Correspondence: Dr TL Davidson, Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, 703 Third Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA. E-mail: davidson@psych.purdue.edu
Received 6 September 2003; Revised 30 November 2003; Accepted 8 December 2003; Published online 27 April 2004.
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Abstract
During the past 15–20 y, the incidence of overweight and obesity in the United States has grown rapidly. The processes that underlie this alarming trend remain largely unspecified. We hypothesize that degradation of the ability to use certain orosensory cues to predict the caloric consequences of intake may contribute to overeating and excessive weight gain. The results of two preliminary studies with rats are consistent with this hypothesis. In one study, the ability of rat pups to regulate their caloric intake after consuming a novel high-calorie, sweet food was disrupted if they had received prior training with sweet tastes that failed to predict the caloric consequences of eating. Another study found that altering the normal predictive relationship between food viscosity and calories led to increased body weight in adult rats. Dietary factors that degrade the relationship between sweet tastes, food viscosity and calories may contribute to overeating and weight gain.
Keywords:
Pavlovian, learning, sweet, viscosity, rat
Artificial Sweetener [Aspartame, Advantame, Neotame, Canderel, AminoSweet, tm NutraSweet tm Equal], information from the files of Mary Nash Stoddard's Aspartame Consumer Safety Network - based in Dallas TX since 1987. Includes Scientific Research and other documentation showing the reported risk factors associated with use of these toxic aspartame-based sweeteners in humans.
BIO Mary Nash Stoddard on Twitter
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PRESENTING: MARY NASH STODDARD - Co-Founder of the massive international anti-aspartame movement in the mid 1980's, following the brain tumor death of her forty two year old husband, Mike. Ms. Stoddard suffered a life threatening aspartame-related blood disorder in 1985, whereupon, The NutraSweet Co. offered her an all-expense paid vacation for two anywhere in the world, if she would agree to be tested by their doctors. She declined, with the blessing of her doctor, and the rest is history. She has conducted multi-national lecture tours and is a popular visiting professor at colleges, universities and medical schools. "Deadly Deception - Story of Aspartame" is a toxicology sourcebook, edited by Ms. Stoddard, documenting the harmful effects of the world's most toxic artificial sweetener. The companion one hour "Deadly Deception" video is further documentation - taped at a prestigious scientific conference. Stoddard's efforts, over more than two decades, led to the present rejection of the sweetener by many of the food and beverage giants of industry, as they rush to distance themselves from the liabilities associated with use of a neuro-toxic substance in their products. She has testified in court as an Expert Medical Witness and like her counterpart, Erin Brokovitch, helped with a number of lawsuits on behalf of consumers. Her powerful message has reached millions around the world through the airwaves on radio and television, in print and through popular personal appearances.
Honors, Awards, Societies:
• Expert Medical Witness [1992-present]
* Guest Presenter Gulf War Veterans Annual Conference - [Las Vegas 1999]
* Visiting Professor: U. T. Southwestern Medical School [1997]
* Visiting Professor: American University School of Journalism [1999]
* Visiting Professor: University of North Texas at Denton Dept. of Science [1990 and 2005]
• Visiting Professor: University of Houston Bioneers Conference [2006]
* Invited speaker: Hebrew Univ. Jerusalem - [1997]
* Keynote speech: Mexican Government's Annual Conference on Sweeteners [1999]
* Appointed Judge - State of Texas [1977-1984]
* Broadcast Journalist - [1965-present]
* President's Council on Food Safety - [1998-1999]
* International Lecture Tours - [1996-present]
* Testimony Senate Committee Hearing on Safety of Aspartame - Washington [1987]
* Panelist at National News Conference Announcing Dr. John Olney's Brain Tumor/Aspartame Connection - Washington D.C. [1998]
* Inducted Member Texas Radio Hall of Fame [2002-present]
Representative of the Texas Rice Growers Association [Miss Rice]
Board member: Irving Symphony Orchestra
Board Member: Irving Community Theater
Founding Board Member Radio Station KNON [public radio], Dallas
Charter member City of Dallas Citizens Safety Committee
Board Member Dallas Mayor’s Fee Task Force
Vice President Operation Get Involved, [liaison committee of the D.P.D.]
Board member Dallas Homeowners League
President Save Open Space
Texas Steering Committee Presidential Election
Award for Public Service - Mexican Government
State of Texas Board of Adjustment
