Why Do We Crave Sweets? A Scientific Perspective on Food Cravings

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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.

1. Replace with healthy foods: When cravings occur, you can use fruits like apples, bananas, or nuts instead of candies.
2. Increase physical activity: Exercise helps reduce cortisol – a factor that stimulates hunger.
3. 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.