(PS8-A14) Examining Interactions Between Taste and Smell Perception and Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Their Effect on Restrictive Eating

Restrictive eating behaviors are associated with several poor health outcomes. Further research in the general population where the full range of symptoms can be observed is needed to inform risk and maintenance models of restriction. Exteroceptive sensory modalities such as taste and smell are employed while eating and disturbances in exteroceptive sensitivity may influence eating behavior. Meal-related gastrointestinal disturbances, such as early satiety and postprandial fullness, are well-documented in eating disorders, and may also influence eating behavior. To our knowledge, no study has examined both exteroceptive sensitivity and gastrointestinal symptoms simultaneously. This study aimed to examine the relationship between restrictive eating behaviors and sensitivity to taste or smell and gastrointestinal symptoms, and potential interactions between gastrointestinal symptoms and sensitivity to taste or smell. A sample of adults between the ages of 18 and 65 from the general population (N=420) completed questionnaire assessments such as the Eating Pathology Symptom Inventory to assess restrictive eating (M=6.520, SD=4.942, range:0-23), the Sensory Perception Quotient to assess sensitivity to taste and smell (reverse-scored), and the Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptom Severity Index to assess gastrointestinal symptom severity. There was a weak relationship between restrictive eating behaviors and both sensitivity to taste (r=-.115, p=.022) and smell (r=-.101, p=.039).  Additionally, this study replicated previous findings of a strong relationship between gastrointestinal symptom severity and restrictive eating behaviors (r=.583, p< .001.) Gastrointestinal symptom severity moderated the relationship between sensitivity to taste and restrictive eating behaviors, such that this relationship was strongest at lower levels of gastrointestinal symptom severity (B=-.1361 p=.014). There was no observed interaction between sensitivity to smell and gastrointestinal symptoms (p=.156). These results indicate that increased sensitivity to taste, sensitivity to smell, and gastrointestinal symptom severity were each associated with greater restrictive eating behaviors. Additionally, the relationship between sensitivity to taste and restrictive eating behaviors is strongest at lower levels of gastrointestinal symptom severity. Results highlight the importance of revising risk and maintenance models to describe multiple, conditional pathways to restriction. Future research might examine whether tailoring treatments for individuals who present with sensitivity to taste or smell, gastrointestinal symptoms, or both are effective in reducing restrictive eating behaviors.