Understanding Hedonic Eating: The Relationship between Pleasure, Food, and Health

People and food affect each other in different ways, but sometimes a relationship can be created that is not good for our health.

Even after eating your fill of healthy food, do you ever reach for sweets just for the pleasure of eating them? If so, you may be engaging in what is known as “hedonic eating.”

Scientists define hedonic food consumption as “eating food to satisfy hedonic desires, not hunger.” The English expression for hedonic eating is related to the Greek word ‘hedone’ which means “happiness” (Hedone is also the goddess of pleasure in Greek mythology).

In fact, the act of eating most foods involves a degree of pleasure. However, hedonic food consumption, which involves eating food even when there is no need to replenish calories, often occurs in societies where food is not difficult to obtain and hunger is rare.

For our bodies to function properly, we need to use dietary energy. Dietary energy is the calories we get from the food and drinks we consume. However, when we eat more calories than we consume, a reaction occurs in our body that increases appetite. The hormonal system in the body

This is a phenomenon that occurs when a signal is sent to the brain saying ‘the stomach is now empty’, and this is called “physical hunger.”

In contrast, although we do not feel biologically hungry, there are times when the desire to eat food increases, especially for pleasure. This is what scientists call ‘hedonic hunger.’

“Because people work to satisfy hedonic motivation, almost everyone experiences hedonic eating,” said James Stubbs, a professor who studies appetite and energy balance at the University of Leeds in UK.

“But some people get more pleasure from food than others. “

According to Professor Stubbs, the act of eating is not just about happiness. Other variables, such as emotions, stress avoidance, and discomfort, also affect eating. This is why “the distinction between physical hunger and hedonic hunger is becoming more ambiguous. “

But when people try to get pleasure from eating food, do they want to eat green vegetables or sliced ​​cabbage? There may not be many such cases.

Dr Bethan Mead, who studies appetite and obesity at the University of Liverpool, said: “It’s natural for people to seek out foods high in fat, salt and sugar, which are good sources of energy.”

“We are drawn to these foods because of the energy they contain and the pleasure we get from eating them. This can make it more difficult to distinguish between the hedonic properties of these foods (hedonic hunger) and physical hunger. “

The increase in foods containing a lot of fat, salt and sugar around us is also considered a factor that promotes the consumption of hedonic foods.

However, if you eat high-calorie foods for hedonic stimulation, obesity is likely to develop.

“These days, we are surrounded by food that is delicious, easy to find and ready to eat,” says Professor Stubbs.

“This is one of the reasons why today’s people are gaining weight and the number of obese people is increasing. “No wonder one in eight people worldwide are obese.”

Experts say that, in theory, there is no problem in eating hedonic food because it provides a sense of reward. However, we still need to be careful about the dangers of overeating, food addiction and obesity.

In January 2024, the journal ‘Human Nutrition and Dietetics’ published a study by Turkye, which analyzed the relationship between hedonic hunger and appetite in obese adults.

According to this study, as hedonic hunger increased in overweight adults, self-esteem decreased and self-stigma about weight increased.

So what can we do to avoid overeating while eating hedonic food?

“Studies have shown that weight loss can reduce hedonic hunger,” said Dr. Mead.

“People who are managing their weight may respond differently to foods that satisfy hedonic hunger or change the way they feel rewarded by food.”

However, many people find it difficult to lose weight, create new eating habits, or adopt a healthy lifestyle. However, Professor Stubbs said one solution might be to turn these changes into enjoyable activities.

“For example, if you need to increase your physical activity, think about the activities you enjoy. Does that mean going to the gym? If not, how about a walk or a dance with your friends?”

“The key is to understand what aspects of the hedonic state motivate you in life. And you try to match the fun factor with the new habit you want to create.”

Mindful eating (focusing on the act of eating, focusing on the taste and texture of food)

‘The practice of eating while you focus’ can also be a way to prevent hedonic eating from leading to overeating.

However, Professor Stubbs said, “The cabbage diet won’t last long,” and recommended a balanced diet instead of such a diet.

“We’re not trying to stop people from eating for hedonic stimulation,” Stubbs said.

“We’re trying to redirect our happiness into healthier eating habits.”

Professor Stubbs said it was possible to develop a more positive relationship with food without giving up the pleasure of the most delicious food.

“An example is the 80:20 lifestyle. “If 80% of your diet is low in calories and contains a variety of nutrients, the remaining 20% ​​can be enjoyed in return for foods that bring joy to your life or are eaten at important events and situations.”