Power of perception: effects of an “Indulgent” mindset on ghrelin levels in women
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Type
Submission
Keywords
ghrelin, women, mindset, hormone, mindfulness, psychology, indulgent
Department
Nutritional Science
Major
Nutritional Sciences
Abstract
The gut-brain axis represents a significant bidirectional pathway influencing metabolic processes, including appetite regulation. Unregulated appetite and subsequent overconsumption contribute significantly to obesity and related health issues. Ghrelin, a peptide hormone primarily produced in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a key role in this axis by signaling hunger to the hypothalamus. Research exploring interventions that target the gut-brain axis and hormones like ghrelin holds promise for developing new approaches to weight management. Using a model developed by Dr. Alia Crum of Stanford University, this study sought to repeat, in greater length and magnitude, the science of the “indulgent” MINDSET in adult women with measurement of ghrelin, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure (BP). To measure the effects of a 6-month “indulgent” MINDSET intervention on plasma ghrelin levels, an initial baseline (month ) was sampled from women, ages 19-63 years in Southern California, using an indirect ELISA (abcam #263887, human ghrelin-28), prior to the MINDSET intervention n=9; plasma acyl-ghrelin; mean ± SEM=153.6 ± 40.3pg/mL. Six months post intervention, acyl-ghrelin was evaluated from both control (n=6; 96 ± 64.9) and intervention (n=9; 164 ± 64.9) groups to compare the levels and correlate the differences in food-focused mentality. No significant difference (p < 0.05) was found within groups, nor between groups, but a greater variance was observed in the mean control “before” versus “after”. Both BMI and BP remain unchanged after 6 months. Studies investigating the impact of various interventions on ghrelin levels and food-related perceptions contribute to the scientific evidence base for potential strategies to manage weight effectively. Understanding the complex interplay between physiological signals and mental processes related to food intake is crucial for addressing the widespread problem of obesity.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Susan Helm
Location
Black Family Plaza Classroom 191
Start Date
10-4-2026 3:15 PM
End Date
10-4-2026 3:45 PM
Power of perception: effects of an “Indulgent” mindset on ghrelin levels in women
Black Family Plaza Classroom 191
The gut-brain axis represents a significant bidirectional pathway influencing metabolic processes, including appetite regulation. Unregulated appetite and subsequent overconsumption contribute significantly to obesity and related health issues. Ghrelin, a peptide hormone primarily produced in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a key role in this axis by signaling hunger to the hypothalamus. Research exploring interventions that target the gut-brain axis and hormones like ghrelin holds promise for developing new approaches to weight management. Using a model developed by Dr. Alia Crum of Stanford University, this study sought to repeat, in greater length and magnitude, the science of the “indulgent” MINDSET in adult women with measurement of ghrelin, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure (BP). To measure the effects of a 6-month “indulgent” MINDSET intervention on plasma ghrelin levels, an initial baseline (month ) was sampled from women, ages 19-63 years in Southern California, using an indirect ELISA (abcam #263887, human ghrelin-28), prior to the MINDSET intervention n=9; plasma acyl-ghrelin; mean ± SEM=153.6 ± 40.3pg/mL. Six months post intervention, acyl-ghrelin was evaluated from both control (n=6; 96 ± 64.9) and intervention (n=9; 164 ± 64.9) groups to compare the levels and correlate the differences in food-focused mentality. No significant difference (p < 0.05) was found within groups, nor between groups, but a greater variance was observed in the mean control “before” versus “after”. Both BMI and BP remain unchanged after 6 months. Studies investigating the impact of various interventions on ghrelin levels and food-related perceptions contribute to the scientific evidence base for potential strategies to manage weight effectively. Understanding the complex interplay between physiological signals and mental processes related to food intake is crucial for addressing the widespread problem of obesity.