Effects of limited access to a fat option on food intake and body composition in female rats

OBJECTIVE: The present investigation sought to determine if limiting access to an optional fatty food would induce binge-type behavior patterns in non-energy-deprived female rats. METHOD: Four groups of rats had continuous access to a commercial rodent diet throughout the 8-week study. In addition: (1) the control group had no access to vegetable shortening; (2) the high limitation group had access to shortening for 2 hr for 3 days each week; (3) the low limitation group had access to shortening for 2 hr every day; and (4) the no limitation group had continuous access to shortening. RESULTS: As access to the shortening decreased, intake during the 2-hr access period increased. Total energy intake and body weight did not differ among groups. Body fat was greatest in the rats that ate the most cumulative shortening. DISCUSSION: These results indicate that, even under non-energy-deprived conditions, limiting access to a preferred fatty food can induce binge-type behavior in female rats.