Stress, sugars intake, sweet craving, and plasma levels of hormones regulating appetite between women

Abstract

Stress can contribute to the emergence of DSD, which is defined as an intense desire to consume sweet foods. The goal is to compare the intake of sugars and the occurrence of DSD in women with and without stress, and to evaluate the effects of stress and DSD on hormone levels that regulate appetite. The stress will be diagnosed and the study sample will be stratified into two groups (stress and no stress). The intake of sugar will be assessed. The average daily intake of added sugar, of foods rich in sugars, and daily per capita availability of added sugar will be identified. The quantities of table sugar used to sweeten two types of drinks will be registered. The situations associated with intake of sweet foods, DSD, and the characterization of DSD will be identified. In addition, biochemical data, anthropometric measurements, and body composition will be assessed between the groups. To identify and assess signs of stress we will use the tool "Stress Symptoms Inventory for Adults Lipp." Participants will fill seven food records so that the average daily intake of sugars is determined. Passion fruit juice, coffee, and sugar to sweeten drinks will be offered. The per capita availability of daily added sugar, situations associated with the consumption of sweets and DSD, and the characterization of DSD will be identified through questions. For the laboratory evaluation levels of leptin, ghrelin, glucose and insulin will be dosed. Body weight, height, waist and hip circumference will be measured for anthropometric assessment. The body composition will analyzed by bioelectrical impedance. Epi Info, version 6.04, will be used for data analysis and SPSS (1996) for comparison of results between groups. (AU)