Average daily nutrient intake and mood among obese women

Abstract

This study examined the relations between stable moods (i.e., non clinical levels of anxiety and depression) and average daily intake of certain macro- and micronutrients, among a sample of obese women. Subjects were 38 women assessed at entry to a long-term weight-loss medication trial. Subjects' levels of anxiety and depression were assessed by self-report measures and by a psychiatrist's ratings. Average daily intakes of energy, macronutrients, certain micronutrients, and caffeine were computer analyzed (Nutritionist III) from subjects' eating diaries. Results were analyzed via Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analyses. Higher carbohydrate (CHO) intake, particularly simple CHO intake, was consistently related to lower levels of both anxiety and depression. Some relations of mood to caffeine and micronutrients were also observed on correlational analyses. Discussion examines possible explanations for findings, particularly the surprisingly strong association between higher intakes of simple CHO and lower levels of depression and anxiety.