Scientists Explore the Mystery of Food Cravings

Everyone has experienced it: a sudden, overpowering urge for a particular flavor of ice cream, a midnight compulsion for just a bit more of the leftovers from dinner, or a deep longing for mom?s famous chocolate cake after a hard day at work.

For some, these food cravings are nothing more than a fleeting figment of the imagination that can often vanish as suddenly as they appear. But for men and women struggling with excess pounds, food cravings can be an ongoing challenge.

Food cravings are often blamed as the culprits that can cause excess pounds to creep on and derail weight loss efforts. If they are consistently indulged, they can lead to unhealthy eating patterns or even eating disorders. This week, we?ll take a look at some recent research into the causes of and cures for common food cravings.

People on Restricted-Calorie Diets Often Crave High-Calorie Foods

Researchers at Tufts University are in the midst of conducting a large-scale study assessing the benefits, risks, challenges, and pitfalls of low-calorie diets for weight loss. The CALERIE study is taking an in-depth look at the food choices, eating patterns, and behaviors of study participants on an array of restricted-calorie eating programs.

As part of the larger study, members of the research team asked study participants to describe the nature, duration, and outcome of their food cravings. Upon analysis of the results, some interesting patterns emerged.

Although the participants all reported different types of cravings that reflected individual differences in taste, culture, heritage, and background, virtually all of the cravings that were reported involved high-calorie foods. Many of the subjects described their cravings as intense and ongoing, nearing obsession in their duration and frequency.

The researchers posited that this pattern of cravings may be the body?s natural response to a restricted-calorie diet. In other words, it may be the body?s way of trying to encourage food intake. The researchers said that those embarking on a low- or restricted-calorie weight loss program should be warned that these cravings are normal, and will likely subside in intensity over time.

Craving Management, Not Suppression, Vital for Effective Weight Loss

For decades, dieters have been counseled to ignore and struggle against their food cravings. However, according to the results of a recent study published in the journal Friedman Nutrition Notes, this approach may actually hinder weight loss efforts in the long-term.

A team of researchers at the USDA?s Energy Metabolism Laboratory analyzed the food craving results of a group of study participants on low-calorie weight loss programs. According to the scientists, 91% of the participants reported intense food cravings that lasted throughout much of the program, even after as long as six months of dieting.

The researchers further suggested that dieters accept, rather than ignore, their food cravings. Once it is recognized that this is a universal, virtually unavoidable aspect of weight loss, dieters may be able to cope with the situation more effectively and transcend their cravings.

Food Cravings Often Disguise Emotional Issues, Study Shows

Often, we tend to see food cravings as a desire for a particular meal or treat. However, the results of a recent study seem to indicate that food cravings often go much deeper than merely satisfying hunger.

Researchers at the Cornell University Food and Brand Lab undertook an extensive study that quizzed more than 1,000 Americans about the patterns of their food cravings. They found that the majority of food cravings that were reported had some sort of emotional or nostalgic connection. For example, many respondents reported feeling drawn toward childhood favorites when under stress.

On a positive note, the researchers found that almost half of all reported food cravings were for relatively healthy foods. They urged those seeking to lose weight to ?give in? to their food cravings from time to time. However, the researchers reminded dieters that substituting healthier versions and minimizing portion sizes can be the key to overcoming food cravings in a manner that will not jeopardize their weight loss efforts.

Clearly, food cravings are an unavoidable part of calorie-restricted weight loss efforts. However, it is the outlook that dieters use to manage their cravings that can make or break their efforts.

Check back each week for more of the breaking research news that can help you on your weight loss journey!