The single women eat more sweets, because they use them as emotional painkillers. A new study has shown because in sad moments we turn to so-called comfort foods. The same experts stated that the research scientifically confirms what intuition had already made us understand.
Single women eat more sweets: a vicious circle between poor nutrition and worsening mental health has been demonstrated
The study once again highlights the vicious circle between eating poorly and worsening mental health. Here because a holistic approach is neededthat is, 360 degrees, to take care of both the body and the mind, per feed a brain that feels lonely and help women break out of this cycle. You can read the results in the scientific journal JAMA Network Open.
Every time we have that irresistible craving for sweet or full-fat food and we give in to it, we can see an increase symptoms of anxiety e depressionThat they lead us to eat more and badly.
According to research, when we feel alone, we focus a lot on what we feel, underestimating what we eatboth in quality and quantity.
Women who feel lonely are more overweight
The results of the study showed that women are more socially isolated they had a higher level of fat in their body, followed a worse diet, and had great difficulty managing hunger pangs. The loneliest participants were also those with greater symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Researchers at the University of California analyzed data from nearly 100 women after showing them images of sweet and savory foods.
What happens in the brain?
The single women had greater activation in the area of the brain linked to the irresistible desire for food. At the same time there was one less activity in the areas dedicated to self-control. Sweet foods appear to have a greater ability to make you lose control than salty foods.
The reason is to be found in the fact that sweets are considered highly rewarding. Even when we are children, mothers reward us with a sweet or a sweet when we do good things. This rewarding action has pain-relieving effects which can reduce the pain that comes from isolation and social exclusion.
In the USA, loneliness is considered a true epidemic
Previous research had already shown how loneliness can increase the risk of developing major chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. According to experts unsought loneliness is as dangerous as cigarette smoking and obesity.