Background: Alcohol consumption and distress have increased among Canadians since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: We examined whether sociodemographic and COVID-19-related worries are associated with various combinations of alcohol consumption and comorbid psychological distress variables among a Canadian sample of adults. Data were derived from a sample of Canadian adults (N = 1,005, 49.6% female) who participated in an online survey in May 2020. Four multivariate ordinal logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of binge drinking, increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic, and psychological distress. Predictor variables used in the analyses included self-reported sociodemographic characteristics, financial worries, COVID-19 impact on work, and worrying about getting ill.Results: Women were found to have higher odds of increased drinking and anxiety. Also being divorced, separated, or widowed was associated with higher odds of binge drinking and anxiety, and binge drinking and depression. Furthermore, being 60 or older was associated with lower odds of binge drinking and depression and increased drinking and depression, as well as lower odds of increased drinking and depression and increased drinking and anxiety. High income groups were associated with higher odds of binge drinking, increased drinking, and mental distress. Compared to those less worried, being very worried about finances were associated with higher odds of binge drinking and anxiety, increased drinking and anxiety, and increased drinking and depression. Also, being very worried about getting ill with COVID was associated with higher odds of binge drinking and anxiety and increased drinking and anxiety.Conclusion: Our findings identify several demographic and COVID-related worries for increased odds of alcohol intake and co-morbid psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, including identifying as a woman, high income groups, being divorced, separated or widowed, and experiencing financial worries and COVID illness worries. These characteristics should be considered when developing prevention and treatment programs for adults with problematic alcohol use and comorbid anxiety and depression.
Introduction: Olfaction contributes to feeding behaviour and is modulated by changes in dopamine levels. Methylphenidate (MPH) increases brain dopamine levels and has been shown to reduce appetite and promote weight loss in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The objectives of this study were to test the effect of MPH on olfaction, appetite, energy intake and body weight on individuals with obesity.
Methods: In a randomized, double-blind study, 12 participants (age 28.9±6.7 yrs) (BMI 36.1±4.5 kg/m2) were assigned to MPH (0.5mg/kg) (n=5) or Placebo (n=7) twice daily for 2 months. Appetite (Visual Analog Scale), odour threshold (Sniffin’ Sticks®), energy intake (food menu), and body weight (DEXA scan) were measured at day 1 and day 60.
Results: MPH intake significantly increased odour threshold scores (6.3±1.4 vs. 9.4±2.1 and 7.9±2.3 vs. 7.8±1.9, respectively; p=0.029) vs. Placebo. There was a significantly greater suppression of appetite sensations (desire to eat (p=0.001), hunger (p=0.008), and prospective food consumption (p=0.003)) and an increase in fullness (p=0.028) over time in the MPH vs. Placebo.
Conclusions: MPH suppressed appetite and improved olfactory sensitivity in individuals with obesity. These data provide novel findings on the favourable effects of MPH on appetite and weight regulation in individuals living with obesity.
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