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The impact of hunger on indulgent food choices is moderated by healthy eating concerns
Research has indicated that hungry individuals tend to be more impulsive, impatient, and likely to make indulgent food choices compared to those who are not hungry. However, the existing literature is inconsistent, with some studies supporting these findings while others do not show any hunger-related effects on food choice behavior. This cross-sectional study (N = 461) by Otterbring, Flowarczny & Gasiorowska (2024) aimed to resolve these discrepancies by exploring whether the relationship between hunger and the tendency to choose indulgent (versus healthy) foods is influenced by concerns about healthy eating. The results showed a weak but significant link between hunger and a greater likelihood of choosing indulgent foods (e.g., opting for chocolate cake over fruit salad). Notably, this effect was moderated by the participants’ concerns about healthy eating, with the hunger-food choice connection appearing only in those with lower concerns for healthy eating. A similar moderating effect was observed when considering participants’ self-reported healthy lifestyle behaviors (e.g., regular exercise). These findings highlight the need to consider specific factors that influence the connection between hunger and food choices, adding depth to the existing research on hunger. The results also underscore the importance of offering healthier snack options in environments where food is consumed, especially during times when people are hungry, to promote better eating habits. [NPID: Hunger, consumer choice, food choice, indulgence, healthy eating concerns]
Year: 2024
