Sensory processing styles and eating behaviors in healthy adults

Engagement in unhealthy eating behaviors is a significant risk factor for the development of obesity. These eating behaviors include uncontrolled and mindless eating in response to emotional and sensory cues. This study examines the relationship between sensory processing styles and eating behaviors in typical adults. One hundred and fifty healthy individuals aged 18–60 completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, the Dutch Eating Behaviors Questionnaire, and a rating task of 40 healthy and unhealthy food images. Sensory processing styles characterized by passive self-regulation strategies (low registration and sensory sensitivity) were positively correlated with rates of emotional and external eating behaviors. Sensory seeking was positively correlated with ratings of desirability of healthy food images. Individuals whose sensory processing styles are characterized by passive self-regulation strategies are more likely to engage in unhealthy eating behaviors, including consuming food in relation to internal emotional and external sensory cues. Occupational therapists should consider the role of sensory factors when working with clients who engage in unhealthy food overconsumption