Have you ever found yourself reaching for a snack after a workout or while watching sports on television? Research suggests that physical exercise often leads to increased food consumption, whether as a reward or to replenish energy. But what about watching sports on a screen? Can it also influence how much we eat? The answer is yes, and a recent study sheds light on the relationship between watching sports videos and candy consumption.
The study, co-authored by Jannine Lasaleta, involved inviting 112 students to an experimental lab to watch videos and test candies. Half of the students watched a video featuring men and women playing sports, while the other half watched a video without physical activity. Subsequently, each student was given a 70g cup of candy and asked to judge its quality for three minutes. The results revealed that students who watched the sports video consumed more candy than those who watched the non-active video.
Interestingly, male students indulged in significantly more candy than female students, suggesting a gender disparity in the consumption patterns. This observation led the researchers to delve deeper into the impact of the type of sports being watched on candy intake.
To further investigate the effects, only female students were exposed to videos showcasing either easy (light running) or difficult-to-perform sports (athletics long jump, gymnastics, baseball, rugby, or rock climbing). The results showed that students who watched the easy sports video consumed significantly more candy compared to those who watched the difficult sports video. This finding indicates that the ease or difficulty of the exercise shown plays a crucial role in candy consumption.
The study also looked at research on goal motivation to explain the results. When individuals feel they are making progress towards a goal, they may be more likely to indulge in rewards. For example, after a workout, individuals aiming to stay fit may feel a sense of accomplishment and subsequently ease up on their efforts, leading to indulging more in food. Achieving smaller goals, such as exercising, can create a feeling of entitlement to reward oneself, potentially resulting in increased food intake.
Women were found to be more susceptible to consuming more candy after watching an easy-to-perform sports video. This trend is attributed to women’s higher concern with weight and dieting goals, making them more conscious of their food choices. The research suggests that watching sports can fulfill fitness goals vicariously, leading to indulgent food choices based on perceived achievement and progress towards fitness goals.
The findings of the study have implications for policymakers and marketers interested in promoting healthy lifestyles. Presenting physical activities that seem too easy may inadvertently lead to increased consumption, as individuals may perceive a false sense of accomplishment. To counter this effect, the study recommends showcasing a mix of easy and challenging exercises to motivate individuals to pursue their fitness goals without prematurely feeling accomplished.
Being aware of how watching sports can influence eating habits is essential for maintaining a balanced diet. Choosing to watch more challenging sports may help individuals resist the temptation of overindulging in snacks. Additionally, setting realistic dieting goals and engaging in activities that genuinely challenge oneself can prevent falling into the trap of premature achievement and subsequent overindulgence. By understanding the relationship between watching sports and candy consumption, individuals can make informed choices to support their health and fitness goals.
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