One of the most important features of an evidence map is the cataloging of the large number and variety of outcomes reported in the published literature. This step typically occurs after data extraction since the scope of an evidence-map database is large. Thus, it is often difficult to pre-define all outcome categories of interest. The research team worked with the stakeholder panel to classify outcomes into clinically and biologically meaningful outcome categories that could be used in evidence-map analyses. The research team recorded outcomes reported in each publication and took the first attempt in identifying clinically and biologically relevant groups. Standardized coding was then developed for each outcome category. Feedback was sought from the stakeholder panel, and the outcome categories and coding were modified based on the final consensus of the stakeholder panel. Table 2 shows the final list of outcomes for each outcome category that are reported in the studies included in the LCS evidence-map database. Specifically, outcomes related to appetite or satiety ratings such as hunger score and desire to eat were often rated by a visual analog scale (VAS) and were classified under the ‘Appetite’ category. Outcomes focused on neurological measurements and sensing signals by the brain were classified under the ‘Energy Sensing’ category. Body weight, body composition and changes in weight-related outcomes were classified under the ‘Body Weight or Composition’ category. The ‘Dietary Intake’ category included outcomes such as energy intake, dietary intake, food intake and carbohydrate intake, and finally the ‘Glycemic’ category included glucose, insulin and gastric hormones. Our stakeholder panel did not identify additional outcomes that were not reported in the literature. Both outcome categories and full outcome lists were included in the evidence-map database, which can be used in future analyses with current or new outcome category coding.
Outcomes of interest by outcome groups in the LCS evidence-map database
| Outcome groups | Outcomes of interest |
|---|---|
| Appetite | Appetite ratings using a visual analog scale (VAS), hunger, desire to eat, fullness, prospective consumption, thirst, motivational and behavioral factors reported through questionnaire |
| Energy sensing by brain | Neurological measurements (fMRI, EEG), sensory rating (sweetness, intensity, pleasantness, sensory specific satiation), taste, perception and preference, taste reaction time |
| Body weight or body composition | Body weight, body composition, BMI, waist circumferences, weight or BMI changes |
| Dietary intake | Energy intake, dietary intake, food intake, carbohydrate intake, sugar intake, salt intake, water intake |
| Glycemic | Glucose, Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), insulin concentration, insulin sensitivity, hypoglycemia, glucagon, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), cholecystokinin (CCK), enterostatin, ghrelin, leptin, somatostatin, oxyntomodulin |
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