The effect of stress on men's food selection

Appetite. 2007 Nov;49(3):696-9. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2007.06.013. Epub 2007 Jul 17.

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of stress on food choice among men. Two groups of men were given either solvable (no-stress) or unsolvable (stress) anagrams to solve. Four bowls of snack foods-two healthy (peanuts and grapes) and two unhealthy (potato chips and M&M chocolate candies)-were available and subjects were invited to snack on them. Men in the no-stress group ate significantly more of the unhealthy foods than did men in the stress group. This finding is quite different from that found with women [Zellner et al. (2006). Food selection changes under stress. Physiology & Behavior, 87, 789-793]. Women tended to eat more grapes when not stressed than when stressed and more M&Ms when stressed than when not stressed. Thus, the effect of stress level on food choice is different for men and women.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Choice Behavior*
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage
  • Eating / psychology*
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology*
  • Food Preferences / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*
  • Taste / physiology

Substances

  • Dietary Fats