High-fat diets increase tiredness

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found that men who consume a diet high in fat are more likely to feel tired throughout the day. The Men Androgen Inflammation Lifestyle Environment and Stress (MAILES) study analysed data from 1800 Australian men over a 12-month period. The study controlled for other demographic and lifestyle factors and found an overall trend that those consuming higher fat diets would feel more tired throughout the day, affecting their work due to the implications for alertness and concentration.

Sleep quality at night was also affected, as those who consumed more fat tended to report a poorer overall quality. Unfortunately, the researchers noticed that the effect is cyclical, as poor sleep and feeling tired throughout the day is associated with cravings for food high in fat. Obviously, the best way to counter this is to not give in to temptation and eat a healthier diet. However, this is much easier said than done. The researchers are hoping to continue their work and to inform future intervention studies so that people can lose weight whilst also improve their sleep quality.