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Lack of effect of high-protein vs. high-carbohydrate meal intake on stress-related mood and eating behavior.
Lemmens, SG, Martens, EA, Born, JM, Martens, MJ, Westerterp-Plantenga, MS
Nutrition journal. 2011;10:136
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Previous research has shown that overweight people may eat during times of stress, even in the absence of hunger. Alongside this, people are more likely to eat calorific ‘comfort’ foods to cope with feelings of stress, even though these foods may add to physiological stress levels. This study explored whether different macronutrients (protein vs carbohydrate) influenced stress-related eating behaviour. This was a randomized cross-over trial with 38 adults (19 men, 19 women) investigating the effects of a high-protein vs. high-carbohydrate meal on the stress-induced psychological mood response, the rewarding value of food (‘liking’ and ‘wanting’), and the stress-induced food choice and subsequent food intake. Participants were tested in four conditions: 1) a stress condition, with a consumption of a high-protein meal; 2) a rest condition, with a consumption of a high-protein meal; 3) a stress condition, with a consumption of a high-carbohydrate meal; 4) a rest condition, with a consumption of a high-carbohydrate meal. A difficult IQ test with not enough time to solve the questions was used to simulate the stress conditions, while an easy version of the test with plenty of time to solve the questions was used for the rest conditions. Food reward and food choice were measured using psychometric questionnaires, while the subsequent energy intake was calculated based on the consumed 'wanted' food items, chosen by the participants during the psychometric tests. The results of this study showed no greater feelings of satiety in the high-protein vs. high-carbohydrate groups, with no significant differences in food choice or intake between the groups following the stress/rest tests. Decreased ‘wanting’ and energy intake was only seen in participants with high tendency to overeat ("disinhibited eating pattern"), and only during the rest condition, after the consumption of a high-protein meal. This effect, however, disappeared under the stress condition. The authors conclude that the consumption of a high-protein meal, compared with a high-carbohydrate meal, appears to have limited impact on stress-related eating behaviour.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consumption of meals with different macronutrients, especially high in carbohydrates, may influence stress-related eating behavior. We aimed to investigate whether consumption of high-protein vs. high-carbohydrate meals influences stress-related mood, food reward, i.e. 'liking' and 'wanting', and post-meal energy intake. METHODS Participants (n = 38, 19m/19f, age = 25 ± 9 y, BMI = 25.0 ± 3.3 kg/m2) came to the university four times, fasted, once for a stress session receiving a high-protein meal, once for a rest session receiving a high-protein meal, once for a stress session receiving a high-carbohydrate meal and once for a rest session receiving a high-carbohydrate meal (randomized cross-over design). The high-protein and high-carbohydrate test meals (energy percentage protein/carbohydrate/fat 65/5/30 vs. 6/64/30) matched for energy density (4 kJ/g) and daily energy requirements (30%). Stress was induced using an ego-threatening test. Pre- and post-meal 'liking' and 'wanting' (for bread, filling, drinks, dessert, snacks, stationery (non-food alternative as control)) was measured by means of a computer test. Following the post-meal 'wanting' measurement, participants received and consumed their wanted food items (post-meal energy intake). Appetite profile (visual analogue scales), mood state (Profile Of Mood State and State Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaires), and post-meal energy intake were measured. RESULTS Participants showed increased feelings of depression and anxiety during stress (P < 0.01). Consumption of the test meal decreased hunger, increased satiety, decreased 'liking' of bread and filling, and increased 'liking' of placebo and drinks (P < 0.0001). Food 'wanting' decreased pre- to post-meal (P < 0.0001). The high-protein vs. high-carbohydrate test meal induced lower subsequent 'wanting' and energy intake (1.7 ± 0.3 MJ vs. 2.5 ± 0.4 MJ) only in individuals characterized by disinhibited eating behavior (factor 2 Three Factor Eating Questionnaire, n = 16), during rest (P ≤ 0.01). This reduction in 'wanting' and energy intake following the high-protein meal disappeared during stress. CONCLUSIONS Consumption of a high-protein vs. high-carbohydrate meal appears to have limited impact on stress-related eating behavior. Only participants with high disinhibition showed decreased subsequent 'wanting' and energy intake during rest; this effect disappeared under stress. Acute stress overruled effects of consumption of high-protein foods. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NTR1904). The protocol described here in this study deviates from the trial protocol approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of the Maastricht University as it comprises only a part of the approved trial protocol.