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Mind over milkshakes: Mindsets, not just nutrients, determine ghrelin response
This study by Crum et al. (2024) aimed to investigate whether physiological satiation, as indicated by the gut peptide ghrelin, varies depending on the mindset with which a person approaches food consumption. On two separate occasions, participants (n = 46) drank a 380-calorie milkshake while pretending it was a 140-calorie “sensible” drink or a 620-calorie “indulgent” shake. Intravenous blood samples were obtained at baseline (20 minutes), anticipatory (60 minutes), and post-consumption (90 minutes) to evaluate ghrelin levels. Participants looked at and scored the shake’s deceptive label throughout the initial 20–60 minute period. Participants drank and rated the shake in the second interval (60-90 minutes). Participants in the indulgent mindset experienced a sharper decline in ghrelin after consuming the shake, whereas those in the sensible mindset showed a more stable ghrelin response. Participants’ feelings of satiety aligned with their belief about the shake’s nutritional content rather than its actual caloric value. The study suggests that the effect of food consumption on ghrelin levels may be influenced by psychological factors, with mindset significantly impacting physiological responses to food. [NPID: physiological satiation, ghrelin, mindset, food consumption, psychological factors, indulgent mindset, sensible mindset, satiety, milkshake, nutritional value]
Year: 2011
