Most people have experienced it. After a few drinks, suddenly a bowl of chips, a late night pizza or a greasy takeaway becomes almost impossible to resist.
According to researchers from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, there may be a biological reason behind those cravings. Their research suggests that alcohol can trigger changes in the body’s appetite regulation system, increasing levels of a hormone known as FGF21. This hormone is linked to protein appetite and can steer people towards savoury, salty and umami flavoured foods.
Historically, those flavours helped humans identify protein rich foods that were important for survival. The problem today is that many highly processed foods mimic those same flavours without delivering much protein at all. As a result, people may continue eating in an attempt to satisfy cravings that never quite disappear.
Researchers say foods such as chips, pizza and other processed snacks can effectively trick the body’s protein seeking system. While they taste savoury, they often contain large amounts of fat and carbohydrates, encouraging people to consume more energy than they realise.
Interestingly, the same hormonal response appears to reduce the desire for sweet foods, helping explain why salty snacks often win out over desserts after a night of drinking.
The Bottom Line
That urge to order a pizza or reach for a packet of chips after a few drinks may not simply be a lack of willpower. Scientists believe alcohol can influence appetite signals in ways that make savoury foods especially appealing. Choosing protein rich snacks instead may help keep those cravings under control.
