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Business Standard
12-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Not hunger, but mood: Why stress and sadness trigger junk food cravings
A new study links ultra-processed food intake to emotional distress, showing how stress, sadness, and anxiety-not hunger-are driving junk food consumption globally New Delhi Ever wondered why we reach for that bag of chips or tub of ice cream when we're feeling down, stressed, or just bored? Science has an answer. A new study has found that our cravings for ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may be less about hunger and more about what's going on in our heads and hearts. Craving comfort: Why mood drives us to ultra-processed foods The research, titled Factors Affecting Ultra-Processed Food Consumption: Hedonic Hunger, Food Addiction, and Mood, published in Food Science & Nutrition, surveyed nearly 4,000 adults in Turkey. It revealed a strong link between UPF consumption and symptoms of food addiction, depression, anxiety, and stress. This study highlights how deeply intertwined our food choices are with our mental health. What are ultra-processed foods, and why do we crave them? Ultra-processed foods or junk foods are industrial creations loaded with additives like flavour enhancers, emulsifiers, and preservatives. Think chips, packaged cookies, sugary drinks, and instant noodles—cravings often triggered when one is tired, stressed, or 'not in the mood to cook.' They are cheap, convenient, and very tasty—but low in nutrients and high in fats, sugars, and salt. In short, they are engineered to hook us, and they're doing a good job at it. Who is more likely to binge on ultra-processed foods? The researchers surveyed nearly 4,000 adults (aged 18–65) in Ankara, Turkey, and used scales like: sQ-HPF (to measure UPF consumption), Yale Food Addiction Scale (to detect signs of food addiction), DASS-21 (to assess levels of depression, anxiety, and stress), Power of Food Scale (to gauge hedonic hunger, which is eating for pleasure, not hunger) Findings included: Younger adults (average age ~29) consumed more UPFs than older adults (~34) Women, single individuals, and unemployed respondents showed higher intake BMI didn't significantly affect UPF consumption Is food addiction real? Science says yes More than 85 per cent of participants showed signs of food addiction. UPFs activate brain reward circuits—similar to those triggered by alcohol or nicotine—leading to cravings, loss of control, and withdrawal-like symptoms. Do mood disorders influence food choices? Yes. The study found a strong link between mood disorders (depression, anxiety, stress) and UPF intake. People experiencing emotional distress were more likely to reach for processed snacks as a coping mechanism. Is hedonic hunger the driver of UPF intake? Not always Despite the pleasure-driven appeal of junk food, researchers found people were not eating for fun—they were eating because they felt bad or were already addicted. The mind–mouth connection: Healing begins with awareness The study suggests that food addiction and mood are stronger predictors of junk food intake than appetite alone. To change diets meaningfully, mental health needs to be addressed alongside nutritional advice.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Yoga powerful partner in treatment of irritable bowel, finds KGMU study
Lucknow: Those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, marked by stomach pain and unpredictable bowel problems, may find effective relief as a new study by King George's Medical University shows practice of yoga along with regular treatment can ease stomach symptoms and also reduce stress and anxiety. The study, published in International Journal of Yoga in Apr, concluded that yoga could make IBS symptoms feel less severe and help patients feel better. It highlights how regular yoga routine can improve physical health and mental well-being in people with IBS . IBS is a common syndrome comprising stomach pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and frequent changes in bowel movements. Unlike other stomach diseases, IBS doesn't damage intestines but is linked to how the brain and stomach coordinate. "IBS is not a problem of only the digestive system," explained Prof Adarsh Tripathi, co-author and Professor of Psychiatry at KGMU, adding, "There is a strong brain-gut connection and psychological distress plays major role in how patients experience the symptoms." The research, titled 'Exploring the Impact of Yoga Intervention on Psychological Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients: A Randomised Controlled Study', was conducted by experts from KGMU. The team comprised lead researcher Prof Sandeep Bhattacharya and Prof Sunita Tiwari from physiology department, Prof Adarsh Tripathi and gastroenterologist Prof Sumit Rungta. The study was a randomised, open-blinded trial where 165 IBS patients were divided into two groups: one received yoga along with conventional treatment while the other received only conventional treatment. Yoga was practised five times a week for three months. IBS severity, psychological symptoms (using DASS-21), body weight, BMI, and cortisol levels were measured before and after the intervention. Results from both groups were compared to assess the added effect of yoga. Each session included physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation. "We designed the yoga sessions to bring physical relaxation as well as mental calm," said Prof Sandeep Bhattacharya. "Our aim was to see whether yoga could help reduce stress that often triggers or worsens IBS symptoms." After three months, patients in the yoga group showed much better results. "Patients who practised yoga experienced a significant reduction in IBS symptom severity," said Bhattacharya. "They reported less abdominal pain, better digestion and overall improvement in daily functioning." The yoga group also had lower levels of stress and anxiety. While their depression scores didn't drop much, they felt better mentally. "Mental health improvements were encouraging," noted Prof Sunita. "Many patients shared they were sleeping better, feeling more relaxed and had a more positive outlook." Another positive result was weight loss and a lower BMI among yoga participants. Although cortisol levels—a hormone linked to stress—did not drop significantly, patients reported feeling less stressed overall. "Yoga is no replacement for medicines, but it can be a powerful partner," emphasised Prof Sumit Rungta. "Our findings suggest it can help patients manage physical discomfort along with emotional distress associated with IBS." They also advised patients to consult doctors before starting yoga and to follow a routine that suits their health needs. As Prof Bhattacharya summed up, "Our research shows that when it comes to IBS, healing the gut also means caring for the mind. Yoga offers a way to do both." Lucknow: Those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, marked by stomach pain and unpredictable bowel problems, may find effective relief as a new study by King George's Medical University shows practice of yoga along with regular treatment can ease stomach symptoms and also reduce stress and anxiety. The study, published in International Journal of Yoga in Apr, concluded that yoga could make IBS symptoms feel less severe and help patients feel better. It highlights how regular yoga routine can improve physical health and mental well-being in people with IBS . IBS is a common syndrome comprising stomach pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and frequent changes in bowel movements. Unlike other stomach diseases, IBS doesn't damage intestines but is linked to how the brain and stomach coordinate. "IBS is not a problem of only the digestive system," explained Prof Adarsh Tripathi, co-author and Professor of Psychiatry at KGMU, adding, "There is a strong brain-gut connection and psychological distress plays major role in how patients experience the symptoms." The research, titled 'Exploring the Impact of Yoga Intervention on Psychological Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients: A Randomised Controlled Study', was conducted by experts from KGMU. The team comprised lead researcher Prof Sandeep Bhattacharya and Prof Sunita Tiwari from physiology department, Prof Adarsh Tripathi and gastroenterologist Prof Sumit Rungta. The study was a randomised, open-blinded trial where 165 IBS patients were divided into two groups: one received yoga along with conventional treatment while the other received only conventional treatment. Yoga was practised five times a week for three months. IBS severity, psychological symptoms (using DASS-21), body weight, BMI, and cortisol levels were measured before and after the intervention. Results from both groups were compared to assess the added effect of yoga. Each session included physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation. "We designed the yoga sessions to bring physical relaxation as well as mental calm," said Prof Sandeep Bhattacharya. "Our aim was to see whether yoga could help reduce stress that often triggers or worsens IBS symptoms." After three months, patients in the yoga group showed much better results. "Patients who practised yoga experienced a significant reduction in IBS symptom severity," said Bhattacharya. "They reported less abdominal pain, better digestion and overall improvement in daily functioning." The yoga group also had lower levels of stress and anxiety. While their depression scores didn't drop much, they felt better mentally. "Mental health improvements were encouraging," noted Prof Sunita. "Many patients shared they were sleeping better, feeling more relaxed and had a more positive outlook." Another positive result was weight loss and a lower BMI among yoga participants. Although cortisol levels—a hormone linked to stress—did not drop significantly, patients reported feeling less stressed overall. "Yoga is no replacement for medicines, but it can be a powerful partner," emphasised Prof Sumit Rungta. "Our findings suggest it can help patients manage physical discomfort along with emotional distress associated with IBS." They also advised patients to consult doctors before starting yoga and to follow a routine that suits their health needs. As Prof Bhattacharya summed up, "Our research shows that when it comes to IBS, healing the gut also means caring for the mind. Yoga offers a way to do both."
