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

Background: Acute psychological stress is associated with eating in the absence of hunger. Objective: To investigate if Bcll and FTO polymorphisms are associated with eating in the absence of hunger as a result of acute psychological stress. Methods: FTO (rs9939609) and Bcll were genotyped in 98 subjects (BMI = 23.9 +/- 3.3 kg/m(2)). 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 Bcll 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. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.