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Changes in mood after carbohydrate consumption among obese individuals
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|December 1, 1986
Summary
Obese individuals who crave carbohydrates experience less negative mood changes after eating high-carbohydrate meals compared to non-carbohydrate cravers. Snacking habits may influence mood states in obese populations.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Psychology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Two distinct groups of obese individuals with excessive calorie intake from snacks have been identified: carbohydrate cravers and noncarbohydrate cravers.
- Carbohydrate cravers preferentially consume carbohydrate-rich snacks, while noncarbohydrate cravers consume a mix of carbohydrate- and protein-rich snacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential mood responses to high-carbohydrate meals in obese individuals based on their snacking preferences.
Main Methods:
- Utilized standardized self-report questionnaires to assess mood states.
- Measured mood changes before and 2 hours after consuming a standardized high-carbohydrate (104g CHO) lunch.
Main Results:
- Noncarbohydrate cravers reported significant increases in fatigue, sleepiness, and depression post-meal.
- Carbohydrate cravers reported minimal changes in alertness, fatigue, sleepiness, and experienced a decrease in depressive feelings.
Conclusions:
- Snacking habits, specifically carbohydrate craving, may significantly influence immediate post-meal mood states in obese individuals.
- Dietary choices related to snacking could play a role in the psychological well-being of obese individuals.