Craving is a common phenomenon that most of us experience, but the reasons behind this sensation are not simple. According to experts, cravings are closely linked to biological mechanisms and psychological factors, especially in modern lifestyles.
The biological mechanism of cravings stems from the activity of two important hormones in the body: ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin, often called the “hunger hormone,” rises when the stomach is empty, stimulating the feeling of hunger. Meanwhile, leptin – the hormone signaling fullness – helps regulate the amount of food consumed. However, when leptin does not function effectively, the body tends to fall into a state of uncontrollable hunger.
Research from Stanford University in 2023 found that sleeping less than 5 hours each night can increase ghrelin by 20% and decrease leptin by 15%. This causes the body to crave more sugary and starchy foods, particularly at night.

“Cravings not only reflect the body’s energy needs but also manifest issues such as stress, work pressure, or lack of sleep,” explained renowned nutritionist Lisa Young from New York University.

- Replace with healthy foods: When cravings occur, you can use fruits like apples, bananas, or nuts instead of candies.
- Increase physical activity: Exercise helps reduce cortisol – a factor that stimulates hunger.
- Use technology: Apps like MyFitnessPal or WaterMinder help you track calories and remind you to drink water, supporting hunger reduction.

Additionally, trends like sugar detox and intermittent fasting are also being adopted by many people. The sugar detox movement became particularly popular when celebrities, such as Taylor Swift, shared that they had adopted it to maintain energy and improve health. According to statistics from Google Trends, searches for “sugar detox” increased by 35% in 2024, indicating that this trend is gaining widespread attention.
HPX24h > Healthy Eating > Why Do We Crave Sweets? A Scientific Perspective on Food Cravings
Top Reads from This Category
Healthy Eating
Types of Fats: Can Fats Be Good for You?
Healthy Eating
Moderate Coffee Consumption Helps Reduce the Risk of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases
Healthy Eating
How to Create a Diet that Reduces Disease Risk While Still Being Delicious?
Healthy Eating
Vegan Diet: An Effective Weight Loss Solution or a Nutritional Challenge?
Healthy Eating
Does Drinking Water Help with Weight Loss? The Science Behind It and How to Apply It Properly
Healthy Eating
Health is ‘Declining’ Due to Processed Foods: How to Turn the Tide
Healthy Eating
The Comprehensive Guide to the 16:8 Intermittent Fasting Diet
Discover New Topics
Science
Nanotech Technology to Destroy Blood Clots: A New Breakthrough in Stroke and Heart Attack Treatment
Science
Your Body Is Not the Same as It Was 10 Minutes Ago: The Continuous Regeneration Process of the Human Body
Healthy Eating
Does Bone Broth Really Help Relieve Joint Pain and Improve Skin?
Space
Exploring a New Super-Earth: Could It Support Life?
Parenting Tips
How to Stop Preschoolers from Putting Everything in Their Mouth?
Space
3D Lunar Map: A New Gateway to Understanding the Universe
Science
Enhancing Memory with Brain Implants: A New Scientific Revolution
Health
Heart and Brain Health: How to Effectively Prevent Cognitive Decline?
Animals
Gibbons Develop Vocal Techniques as Powerful as Humans: New Discoveries About Their Unique Sounds
Parenting Tips
Tips for Helping Preschoolers Develop Healthy Sleep Habits
Parenting Tips
How to Talk to Your Child About Drugs Effectively
Animals
Baboons With Stable Relationships Live Longer and Show Greater Kindness
Science
The Shocking Truth About Medical Bandages: Harmful Chemicals Absorbed Through Wounds