Some sports “manipulate” our brain and make us snack.
Right now, France is living to the rhythm of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. While some lucky people were able to go there and enjoy a live sporting spectacle, many are watching the events on television. At these times, it is not uncommon to accompany these viewings with a few chips, drinks, candy or other treats. What is less well known is that the emotions caused by sports on television can manipulate our brain and that certain sports would encourage more snacking on sugary products. In any case, this is what French researchers suggest.
In their study published in the journal “ScienceDirect”the Grenoble researchers asked 112 men and women to watch a video. Half of the participants had to watch a video showing men and women doing sports, while the other half had to watch a video without sports activity. Each subject was offered 70 g of sweets during the viewing. At the end of their experiment, the researchers noticed that the people who had watched the sports video ate more sweets than the others.
That’s not all. After noting that male subjects consumed significantly more candy than female subjects (who, most of the time, have a goal of staying in shape that is more important than men). To ensure that the results were not distorted and triggered by the men’s consumption, the researchers invited the women to do another test. The latter had to watch either videos of sports that were considered “easy” (running, cycling), or “difficult” (or at least “more technical”) to practice (for example: long jump, gymnastics, baseball, rugby or climbing). Those who watched sports considered easier ate almost twice as many candy as the others.
Evidence suggests that simply watching sports can make people feel like they’ve accomplished their fitness goals. When people can imagine themselves doing the activity they’re watching, they feel like they’ve already exercised, which can lead them to make more indulgent food choices (like candy or chips). If they perceive the exercise as “easy” rather than “hard” or “demanding,” they can more easily imagine themselves doing it, which makes them feel like they’re making more progress toward their fitness goals. This perceived accomplishment can make them feel like they’ve earned the right to indulge and influence their search for a reward, which often results in increased snacking. The problem is, no calories have been expended.
When you’re watching your favorite sport comfortably seated in front of your television, be aware that this moment can affect your eating habits. The imagination of having made an effort obviously does not have the same health results as a real sports session. This should not prevent you from enjoying the moment, but this habit can taint your efforts, especially if you have certain fitness goals.