How Depression Alters Your Appetite and Boosts Carb Cravings

Depression impacts about 280 million people globally and is known to affect eating habits. A recent study from researchers at University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn, and University Hospital Tübingen reveals that while people with depression often experience a reduced appetite, they tend to crave carbohydrate-rich foods. The study, published in Psychological Medicine, sheds light on how depression alters food preferences.

Depression affects people in various ways. Some may struggle to leave home, while others can maintain parts of their daily routine. These differences also extend to appetite. Many individuals with depression experience a loss of appetite, but others eat more, especially craving sweets. These shifts often lead to noticeable changes in body weight.

“Many individuals with depression suffer from reduced appetite, while others develop increased appetite and food cravings, particularly for sweets. These changes can result in weight fluctuations,” explains Prof. Nils Kroemer, corresponding author of the study, who works at the University Hospital of Tübingen and University Hospital Bonn. “Despite these reports, little is known about the specific food preferences of those with depression, which could open the door for new therapeutic approaches.”

This research is the first to establish a direct link between depression and specific changes in food preferences based on macronutrient composition. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are the primary components of our diet, and among them, carbohydrates are a key energy source for human cells.

The Link Between Food Choices and Depression Severity

People with depression generally show less interest in fat- and protein-rich foods compared to healthy individuals. However, they tend to prefer carbohydrate-rich foods, such as sweets. Interestingly, when individuals with depression consume more carbohydrates, they also tend to crave fat- and protein-rich foods.

For example, people with depression were found to prefer energy-dense foods that combine fats and carbs, like milk chocolate. Such foods are characteristic of unhealthy eating patterns. Previously, researchers believed that carb cravings were simply tied to an increased appetite.

“We’ve now shown that carb cravings are more strongly connected to the severity of depression, especially symptoms of anxiety,” explains Lilly Thurn, first author of the study and former team member at UKB’s Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, now a Master’s student at Maastricht University.

The Future of Depression Treatment: Nutrition and Gut-Brain Connection

The findings prompt further questions for both research and treatment strategies. “Carbohydrate-rich foods trigger different brain reward pathways compared to fat- and protein-rich foods, which could lead to improved treatment approaches,” Prof. Kroemer suggests.

In the future, dietary therapy might test whether changing food preferences during depression leads to improved outcomes. Researchers could explore whether optimizing a patient’s diet could bring lasting relief from depression.

“Therapies targeting the gut-brain connection appear especially promising,” adds Lilly Thurn. “Preliminary studies have shown that fasting or probiotic foods may offer antidepressant effects. Additionally, changes in the microbiome of people with depression may contribute to worsening symptoms, providing a potential treatment avenue.”

Read Original Article: Scitechdaily

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