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Published on: April 28, 2016
Mind over milkshakes: mindsets, not just nutrients, determine ghrelin response.
Alia J Crum1, William R Corbin, Kelly D Brownell
1Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. alia.crum@yale.edu
Summary
Mindset influences physiological responses to food. Believing a milkshake was indulgent, rather than sensible, significantly altered ghrelin levels, demonstrating psychological mediation of appetite hormones.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Psychology
Background:
- The gut peptide ghrelin plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and satiety.
- Previous research suggests psychological factors can influence physiological responses to food.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the mindset surrounding food consumption affects physiological satiation, specifically ghrelin levels.
- To determine if perceived caloric content influences the body's hormonal response to food.
Main Methods:
- Forty-six participants consumed a 380-calorie milkshake under two conditions: perceived as 620-calorie "indulgent" or 140-calorie "sensible".
- Intravenous blood samples were collected at baseline, anticipatory, and postconsumption periods to measure ghrelin levels.
- Participants rated the milkshake's label and taste, with the label misleading regarding actual nutritional content.
Main Results:
- An "indulgent" mindset led to a significantly steeper decline in ghrelin postconsumption compared to a "sensible" mindset.
- Participants' reported satiety aligned with their perceived caloric intake, not the actual nutritional value.
- Ghrelin response was demonstrably influenced by psychological expectations rather than objective food content.
Conclusions:
- Physiological responses to food, including ghrelin secretion, can be psychologically mediated.
- Mindset significantly impacts hormonal regulation of appetite and satiety.
- Perception of food plays a critical role in the body's physiological reaction to eating.
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