This study examined the changes in hunger and cravings with a weight loss intervention program within a work-site. The study found that at baseline cravings were more frequent and intense in people with a BMI over 25. As the participants lost weight, their frequency and intensity of cravings decreased along with their hunger. The study suggests that higher cravings may be associated with more obese individuals. Further research is needed to define whether the reduction in hunger may be more successful in weight control trials than the reduction in cravings or vice versa. This paper supports craving and hunger control by behavioral changes until weight loss is sufficient to maintain a healthier weight (1).
This study was based on a 6-month intervention in 4 Massachusetts work-sites randomized to two control sites and two intervention sites resulting in a total of 675 employees for intervention sites and 354 for control sites. Participants had to be at least 21 years of age, have a BMI greater than 25, and have written physician clearance (not pregnant and have no medical condition influencing nutrient absorption). For the intervention sites total craving inventory score over time significantly decreased (p<0.0001), total craving-state score over time significantly decreased (p<0.0001), and hunger (p<0.0001). Other significant decreases included: emotions experienced before or during food cravings, guilt from cravings, lack of control over eating, and intense desire to eat (1).
Some research limitations were that smoking was not addressed, and it could influence hunger and cravings. Also this was the first known work-site study measuring hunger and cravings during weight loss and further research is needed to compare the reduction of hunger separately from the reduction of cravings in weight loss. This study lacks statistical power to conduct cluster-randomized analyses because it was a pilot-group randomized study. The strengths of the study was it was a randomized prospective study measuring cravings and hunger with a length of six months giving adequate time for interventions to take effect. Also it used a psychometrically robust survey to assess the cravings.
The science is mixed in whether hunger and cravings decrease with weight loss. Some studies say that cravings stay the same with weight loss (2). Others show an increase in cravings with weight loss (3). Other studies show improved satiety with weight loss when eating a high carbohydrate and protein breakfast (4). Whether or not it is attributed to the weight loss or the diet is unsure. The mixed results may be from different intervention strategies and different weight loss diet strategies. More studies are needed to confirm the results from each study.
Although this study, along with most other studies, needs more research to back the results, it shows promising results with hunger and cravings in adults over 21. This study could not be generalized the American public because it was only conducted on adults in the work force and would need more research to discover if it can be representative of all people. This study discovered really interesting results that give consumers hope that as they lose weight their hunger and cravings may decrease. It is important for consumers to realize that they may have more frequent and intense cravings when overweight or obese. Consumers tend to give up hope when trying to lose weight because they feel the intense desire to consume foods that they “can’t” have. If consumers can realize that with weight loss they can decrease their cravings, they may have more hope for success and maintenance with weight loss.
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References
- Batra P, Das SK, Salinardi T, et al. Relationship of cravings with weight loss and hunger. Results from a 6 month worksite weight loss intervention. Appetite. 2013;69:1-7.
- Gilhooly CH, Das SK, Golden JK, McCrory MA, et al. Food cravings and energy regulation: the characteristics of craved foods and their relationship with eating behaviors and weight change during 6 months of dietary energy restriction. Int J Obesity. 2007;31:1849-1858.
- Massey A, Hill AJ. Dieting and food craving. A descriptive, quasi-prospective study. Appetite. 2012;58:781-785.
- Jakubowicz D, Froy O, Wainstein J, Boaz M. Meal timing and composition influence ghrelin levels, appetite scores and weight loss maintenance in overweight and obese adults. Steroids. 2012;77(4):323-331.
Reviewed by Viktoriya Wolff
