AVERAGE DAILY NUTRIENT INTAKE AND MOOD AMONG OBESE WOMEN

This study examined the relations between stable moods (i.e., non clin ical levels of anxiety and depression) and average daily intake of cer tain macro- and micronutrients, among a sample of obese women. Subject s were 38 women assessed at entry to a long-term weight-loss medicatio n trial. Subjects' levels of anxiety and depression were assessed by s elf-report measures and by a psychiatrist's ratings. Average daily int akes of energy, macronutrients, certain micronutrients, and caffeine w ere computer analyzed (Nutritionist III) from subjects' eating diaries . Results were analyzed via Pearson correlation coefficients and multi ple regression analyses. Higher carbohydrate (CHO) intake, particularl y simple CHO intake; was consistently related to lower levels of both anxiety and depression. Some relations of mood to caffeine and micronu trients were also observed on correlational analyses. Discussion exami nes possible explanations for findings, particularly the surprisingly strong association between higher intakes of simple CHO and lower leve ls of depression and anxiety. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.