Data from: Exploring preferences for variable delays over fixed delays to high-value food rewards as a model of food-seeking behaviours in humans

Foraging and operant models suggest that animals will tolerate uncertainty
or risk to obtain food quickly. In modern food environments, sustained
access to quick energy-dense foods can promote weight gain. Here, we used
a discrete-choice procedure to examine peoples' decisions about when
next to eat high-value, palatable food rewards, probabilistically
delivered immediately or following longer delays. In Experiment 1,
moderately hungry young females showed consistent preferences for a
variable delay option that delivered food rewards immediately or following
long delays over a fixed delay option that delivered the same rewards
following intermediate delays. These preferences were stronger in females
with higher BMIs compared with lower BMIs, suggesting that quick food can
enhance the value of uncertain or ‘risky’ food-seeking strategies in
individuals vulnerable to future weight gain. In Experiment 2, prior
exposure to a subtle and not easily identifiable food aroma increased
selections of the variable delay option following delayed food rewards in
a mixed sample of male and female adults, providing preliminary evidence
that food cues can sustain uncertain food-seeking strategies. These data
highlight a working hypothesis that the rapid delivery and consumption of
food rewards, and food cues, can increase risk-tolerance in the
food-seeking behaviours of individuals who are vulnerable to weight gain.