Depression is a major condition affecting a lot of people all over the world. According to the World Health Organization, “An estimated 3.8% of the population experience depression, including 5% of adults (4% among men and 6% among women), and 5.7% of adults older than 60 years. Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression. Depression is about 50% more common among women than among men.”
Depression can lead to several emotional, behavioral, and physical issues. Per the findings of a recent study conducted by researchers affiliated with various universities in Germany and Denmark, depression may drive cravings for added sugar. Before I get into the results of the study, first let’s look at what too much added sugar can do to a person’s health.
“Basically, the higher the intake of added sugar, the higher the risk for heart disease,” says Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Hu also points out that too much added sugar can raise a person’s risk of developing obesity and diabetes. It can also create heart issues.
“Basically, the higher the intake of added sugar, the higher the risk for heart disease,” Dr. Hu also says. “The effects of added sugar intake — higher blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes, and fatty liver disease — are all linked to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke.”
Now, let’s get back to the previously mentioned study.
“Here, we used a sample of 117 participants (54 patients with MDD and 63 healthy control participants [HCPs]) who completed a food cue reactivity task with ratings of wanting and liking for 60 food and 20 non-food items. To evaluate which components of the food may contribute to altered ratings in depression, we tested for associations with macronutrients of the depicted items.” the researchers stated about their study’s methodology.
“Many people with depression suffer from a general loss of appetite. Others have more appetite during a depressive episode and even develop food cravings — especially for sweets,” said Professor Nils Kroemer, lead researcher at the University Hospital of Tübingen’s Department of Translational Psychiatry, according to coverage of the study by ThinkPol.
“The research team found that depressed individuals showed decreased interest in protein and fat-rich foods compared to healthy control groups. However, they demonstrated a marked preference for carbohydrate-heavy options, particularly foods that combine carbohydrates and fats, such as milk chocolate.” the outlet also stated.
If you suffer from depression, or suspect that you do, I implore you to take it seriously and seek out professional help as soon as possible. I have suffered from major depression in the past, and I can say from firsthand experience that it will negatively impact nearly every aspect of your life, including your physical health. I know that was the case for me. I let it go on longer than I should have before seeking help, and I hope that if you are reading this that you don’t make the same mistake that I did.
Talk to your doctor about depression, and get into therapy if you are able to. Your future self will thank you for it.
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