Highlighted in a recent National Geographic feature, this phenomenon is increasingly reported by individuals and is drawing attention from medical researchers, particularly due to its apparent connection to GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic, used for diabetes management, and Wegovy, approved for obesity treatment.
Understanding Food Noise
According to a November 2023 study published in the journal Nutrients, food noise is defined as “obsessive and repetitive thoughts about food.” These thoughts are triggered by both internal cues, such as hunger, and external stimuli, like the sight or smell of food. For some individuals, these thoughts can dominate 80–90% of their day, leading to stress, diminished focus, and even sleep disturbances.
Unlike hunger or food insecurity, food noise is characterized by excessive mental preoccupation with food, often causing anxiety or guilt. Some people may even find themselves planning their next meal while still eating.
Who Experiences Food Noise?
While anyone can experience food noise, it is reportedly more prevalent among individuals with obesity or a history of disordered eating. Those who frequently diet, adhere to rigid eating rules, or have irregular meal patterns are also more susceptible. A 2024 study highlighted that individuals with orthorexia—an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating—frequently experience food noise.
For those with obesity, excessive thoughts about food can complicate weight management and disrupt healthy eating habits. Lawrence Cheskin, a nutrition professor at George Mason University, describes food noise as “a state where excessive thinking about food drains mental energy.”
The Role of GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have shown remarkable potential in reducing food noise. These drugs act on receptors in the brain and digestive system, suppressing hunger and diminishing the brain’s reward response to food. Robert Kushner, a professor of obesity medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, told National Geographic that many patients on GLP-1 medications report feeling “calmer” and less preoccupied with food, sparking his interest in the concept of food noise.
A study published in October 2023 in the journal Addiction further suggests that GLP-1 medications may have broader applications, showing positive effects in treating alcohol and substance use disorders. This points to a deeper connection between food noise and the brain’s reward system, indicating that the phenomenon may reflect more complex neurological processes.
Managing Food Noise Without Medication
Experts emphasize that food noise can be managed without relying solely on medication. Strategies include adopting regular meal schedules with three balanced meals daily, choosing foods that satisfy both physically and emotionally, and allowing oneself to enjoy favorite foods to reduce feelings of deprivation. Mindful eating—focusing on the taste, smell, and texture of food during meals—can also help.
Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits such as adequate sleep, regular exercise, stress management, and proper hydration can mitigate food noise. Engaging in activities that stimulate dopamine release, such as exercise, reading, or listening to music, may further reduce obsessive food thoughts. Susan Albers, a psychologist at Cleveland Clinic, stresses the importance of embracing food in a healthy way without self-restriction. “The key to reducing food noise is accepting food in a balanced, mindful manner,” she says.
As research into food noise continues, both medical professionals and patients are gaining a deeper understanding of how intrusive thoughts about food can affect mental health and overall well-being. Whether through pharmacological interventions like GLP-1 agonists or lifestyle changes, addressing food noise offers a pathway to a calmer, more focused life.
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
