Ghrelin, the only known appetite-stimulating
hormone in humans, may be one factor involved in increased appetite, cravings and food intake following
weight loss. Innovative strategies for suppressing
ghrelin and decreasing appetite during
weight loss maintenance are needed. Recent research has highlighted relationships between
ghrelin, stress and lifestyle factors. The purposes of the current review are to (i) describe the current status of knowledge about
ghrelin and lifestyle factors; (ii) critically examine research in this area, highlighting inconsistencies and methodological issues and (iii) discuss future directions and implications for
obesity treatment. Based on Literature search using PsycINFO and Medline databases, we reviewed experimental studies on relationships between
ghrelin, stress, exercise and sleep.
Ghrelin levels are positively related to stress
hormones, and stress management interventions including exercise and sleep may help to reduce acylated
ghrelin and corresponding appetite. Behavioural interventions may offer a practical, cost-effective alternative for reducing or stabilizing
ghrelin levels after initial
weight loss. Adding behavioural techniques designed to reduce
ghrelin to traditional
weight loss maintenance protocols may help individuals to maintain
weight loss. Future directions for investigating relationships between
ghrelin and behavioural factors, examining the efficacy of behavioural programmes in reducing
ghrelin and improving
weight loss maintenance are discussed.