Changes in mood after carbohydrate consumption among obese individuals

Am J Clin Nutr. 1986 Dec;44(6):772-8. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/44.6.772.

Abstract

Two groups of obese individuals who consume excessive calories primarily as snack foods have been identified. Carbohydrate cravers consume most or all snacks as carbohydrate-rich foods despite the equal accessibility of protein-rich snacks. Noncarbohydrate cravers consume about equal amounts of protein- and carbohydrate-rich snack foods. Using standardized self-report questionnaires, we measured mood before and 2 h after consumption of a high-carbohydrate lunch (104 g CHO). Responses to the meal differed significantly: noncarbohydrate cravers reported feeling considerably less alert, more fatigued and sleepy, while carbohydrate cravers described little or no change in these aspects of mood. Moreover, noncarbohydrate cravers experienced an increase in depression, while carbohydrate cravers reported feeling less depressed. Findings suggest that snacking habits of obese individuals may be related to subsequent mood states.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Dietary Carbohydrates / pharmacology*
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Emotions*
  • Female
  • Food Preferences*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obesity / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Proteins