Genetic associations with acute stress-related changes in eating in the absence of hunger

Abstract Background Acute psychological stress is associated with eating in the absence of hunger. Objective To investigate if BclI and FTO polymorphisms are associated with eating in the absence of hunger as a result of acute psychological stress. Methods FTO (rs9939609) and BclI were genotyped in 98 subjects (BMI = 23.9 ± 3.3 kg/m2 ). In a randomized crossover design, the ‘eating in absence of hunger’ protocol was measured as a function of acute stress vs. a control task and of STAI (State Trait Anxiety Index) state scores. Results In comparison with the FTO T allele, the A allele was associated with an increased feelings of hunger after food intake in the stress (11 ± 10 vs. 18 ± 15, p < 0.01) and control condition (12 ± 9 vs. 16 ± 12, p < 0.05), even though food intake was not different. For the first time, it was observed that in comparison to the BclI C/C genotype, the BclI G/G genotype was associated with higher STAI states scores at 0, 10, and 20 min after the stress condition (30.8 ± 6.4 vs. 36.3 ± 8.2; 28.3 ± 5.5 vs. 32.3 ± 7.5; 27.7 ± 6.1 vs. 31.2 ± 7.5, p < 0.05). Additionally, the BclI G/G genotype was associated with a larger difference in energy intake between the stress and control condition, in comparison with the BclI C/C genotype (136.6 ± 220.4 vs. 29.4 ± 176.3 kJ, p < 0.04). Conclusion In concordance with previous studies, the FTO A allele is related to a lower feeling of hunger after a standardized meal. For the first time, the BclI G/G genotype is shown to be associated with increased sensitivity to psychological stress, and increased eating in the absence of hunger after stress. Practice implications Interventions to reduce body weight should consider the subjects’ genetic background.