Bharti Jayshankar
February 5, 2025: Depression, a mental health condition affecting over 280 million people worldwide, is often accompanied by significant changes in appetite and eating behavior. While some individuals experience a loss of appetite, others develop intense cravings, particularly for carbohydrate-rich foods like sweets and chocolate.
A study led by researchers from the University Hospital of Bonn (UKB) and the University of Tübingen has now uncovered the underlying mechanisms behind these dietary cravings, offering new insights into the relationship between depression and the need for carbohydrates. Published in Psychological Medicine, the study highlights how specific changes in food preferences are linked to the severity of depression, particularly anxiety symptoms.
The research team, led by Prof. Dr. Nils Kroemer and first author Lilly Thurn, investigated the dietary preferences of individuals with depression.“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. These changes can then lead to a change in body weight”, explains corresponding author Prof. Nils Kroemer.
Using advanced methodologies, they discovered that people with depression tend to crave carbohydrate-rich foods, such as sweets, while showing a reduced preference for foods high in fat and protein. Interestingly, the study also found that a higher proportion of carbohydrates in the diet increased the liking of foods combining fat and carbohydrates, such as milk chocolate. These energy-dense foods are often associated with unhealthy eating patterns.
Contrary to previous assumptions, the cravings were not linked to increased appetite but rather to the overall severity of depression, particularly anxiety symptoms. This finding suggests that carbohydrate cravings may serve as a form of self-medication, providing temporary relief from emotional distress.
Role of macronutrients and the brain’s reward system
The study emphasizes the role of macronutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—in shaping dietary preferences. Carbohydrates, a primary energy source for human cells, influence the brain’s reward system differently than fats and proteins. Foods rich in carbohydrates trigger specific signaling pathways in the brain, which may explain why individuals with depression gravitate toward these foods.
Prof. Kroemer explains, “Carbohydrate-containing foods control the reward response in the brain via different signaling pathways than fat- and protein-rich foods. This could open up new avenues for treatment approaches targeting these pathways”.
Implications and future research
The findings have significant implications for the treatment of depression. The researchers suggest that dietary therapy could be a promising adjunct to traditional treatments. By understanding and modifying patients’ food preferences, it may be possible to alleviate some symptoms of depression and improve overall mental health.
Additionally, the study highlights the potential of therapies targeting the gut-brain axis. Emerging research has shown that interventions such as fasting, probiotics, and dietary modifications can have antidepressant effects. Changes in the gut microbiome, which are often observed in individuals with depression, may exacerbate symptoms and could be a key area for future research.
Similar advancements in the field
This study aligns with other recent advancements in understanding the connection between diet and mental health. For instance, a systematic review published in Nutrients explored the effects of different dietary patterns on depressive disorders, emphasizing the role of anti-inflammatory diets and gut microbiome modulation. Similarly, a Mendelian randomization study revealed that increased relative carbohydrate intake may have a protective effect against depression, mediated in part by body mass index.
Personalized depression treatment
The present study marks a significant step forward in understanding the complex relationship between depression and dietary preferences. By shedding light on the mechanisms behind carbohydrate cravings, the research paves the way for more personalized and effective treatment strategies.
The original study is available in Psychological Medicine.
