Ambulatory Assessment Methodologies for Food Related Reactivity Measures

Abstract

UltraCrave: Prior research suggests that excess ultra-processed food intake may be best understood as a substance use disorder. Withdrawal is a domain characterized by aversive physical, cognitive, and affective symptoms (e.g., difficulty concentrating, stress reactivity) and increased motivational salience of substance-related cues (e.g., craving, cue reactivity) during abstinence in chronic users. There is growing evidence that reducing UP food intake may also lead to withdrawal after high levels of UP food intake. Food and Mood: Along with affecting physical health, overconsumption of UPF foods can negatively impact mental health. In particular, high levels of UPF intake are associated with a 44% increased risk of depression. Individuals with depression can become stuck in a cycle of over-consuming UPFs to self-medicate against low mood while their high UPF intake causes worsening mood and sleep difficulties, thus increasing their desire for UPFs. Ultra-Crave Goal of study: To determine whether the reduction in intake of ultra-processed foods elicits withdrawal symptoms. Food and Mood Goal of study: to determine whether UPF intake contributes to depression by increasing low mood and poor sleep due to blood glucose fluctuations and to investigate the efficacy of a 2-week minimally processed meal-kit intervention. Utilizing the same mobile technologies for both longitudinal studies, but data is collected and analyzed differently. Both aim to get real-time assessments of participant daily physiological and psychological dynamics in conjunction with laboratory assessments and survey batteries. Ecological Momentary Assessments (EMA) Mobile App based multidimensional EMA on a semi-random time-sampling schedule. Density: morning and evening reports, with 4 random assessments throughout the day. Depth: assessments vary from 21 questions to over 50 questions. Duration: 14 days for Ultra-Crave, 21 days for Food and Mood FitBit: Fitbit Charge 5: actigraphy tracker used to examine changes in heart rate, sleep, and physical activity in conjunction with dietary changes. In addition to ambulatory/mobile assessments, Ultra-Crave uses the Fitbit device as a portable heart rate monitor during in-lab assessments, reducing the need for additional equipment. Use of workout modes allows for finer-grain capture of heart rate compared to baseline recordings CGM: Abbott Freestyle Libre Pro CGM device used as a minimally invasive, participant blinded system to assess participant continuous blood glucose levels using a subcutaneous sensor.