A group of scientists from Southwest University in Chongqing, China, has developed a new method to combat emotional overeating. In a study published in the scientific journal Nutrients, it is noted that support from family, friends, and loved ones helps prevent excessive food consumption during times of stress.
According to experts, emotional or stress-related overeating is often a response to nervous tension, where people consume too much food, typically high-calorie or sweet, to cope with discomfort. This habit can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and other serious conditions.
Two experiments were conducted involving 274 participants. The researchers divided them into four groups. In the first group, participants received support from close individuals and friends, while in the second group, from strangers. The members of the third group were required to encourage themselves, while the fourth group served as the control group, receiving no instructions.
During the studies, volunteers were given various tasks that induced stress, such as public speaking in front of a large audience. After a series of trials, they were asked to choose different dishes, both high-calorie and low-calorie.
It was found that volunteers from the group receiving friendly support consumed smaller portions, indicating a reduction in stress-induced food cravings, concluded the scientists.
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