---
title: "Endocrinologist details causes of seasonal sugar cravings "
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/87246/endocrinologist-details-causes-of-seasonal-sugar-cravings
published: 2026-10-14T05:15:00Z
language: en
author: "Gabriela Melnic"
section: "Social"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Endocrinologist details causes of seasonal sugar cravings 

> As daylight hours shorten and temperatures drop, seasonal changes, reduced physical activity, and irregular sleep patterns drive increased cravings for sweets and comfort foods across Moldova, according to medical experts.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/7cae0c8b-1008-464e-abee-1e0d94e5f762.jpg)

As daylight hours shorten and temperatures drop, seasonal changes, reduced physical activity, and irregular sleep patterns drive increased cravings for sweets and comfort foods across Moldova, according to medical experts.

**Managing seasonal dietary shifts**

Shorter days and reduced natural light exposure influence human biological clocks, energy levels, and overall mood as autumn transitions into the cold season. Endocrinologist Dr. Iana Nogai noted during a public health broadcast on Moldova 1 that multiple lifestyle and environmental factors converge to trigger these sudden dietary habits.

*“Several factors contribute to these cravings, first the shortening of days, second the drop in physical effort compared to summer, and finally the shift in mood,”* said Dr. Iana Nogai.

While temperature drops require higher energy expenditure for body heat regulation, specialists emphasize that cold weather does not justify excessive caloric intake or uncontrolled consumption of baked goods and pastries.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/8a2d4aca-d0bd-496e-99f5-6827aa86551e.jpg)

**Balancing daily nutrition**

Structured eating habits play a decisive role in curbing excessive appetite. Omitting breakfast, maintaining long intervals between meals, and consuming insufficient amounts of fiber and protein can destabilize satiety.

*“When we have three regular main meals rich in fiber and protein, this craving is no longer so pronounced,”* said Dr. Iana Nogai.

Local seasonal produce such as apples, pears, pumpkins, and root vegetables provide essential nutrients when prepared without excessive oil, heavy cream, or added sugars. Furthermore, maintaining a disciplined sleep schedule of 7 to 9 hours nightly, starting around 22:00, significantly mitigates fatigue-driven sugar intake.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**

[Video: https://trm.blob.core.windows.net/photos/bc43a522-29f8-45b6-93ca-1aa717afa157.jpg](https://original.trm.md/video/definst/MP4:2026/10/13/alimentatia.mp4/playlist.m3u8)

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