New research published in “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” indicates that consuming more food, when we are surrounded by family and friends, is related to the phenomenon they called – “it’s easier in society”.
A group of researchers from the University of Birmingham, led by Dr Helen Ruddock, systematically reviewed more than 40 studies that used experimental and non-experimental approaches to examine food intake.
Meal sizes are 29 percent to 48 percent larger when we eat with friends.
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The review confirmed the researcher’s hypothesis. We eat more when we are with friends or family. Also, the conclusion is that we change our table habits when we are in the company of people we don’t know.
Previous studies have found that meal sizes are between 29 percent and 48 percent larger when eating with friends than when people are alone. However, we should take into account other factors such as gender and obesity, as well as how well we know the people we eat with.
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“We found strong evidence that people eat more food when they are eating with friends and family than when they are alone,” said Dr. Rudok.
Women ate smaller portions in front of men, regardless of whether they were friends or strangers.
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People who are overweight generally ate less when in public.
“People want to convey positive impressions to strangers. That is why in these situations they choose small portions of food. Since we are afraid of other people’s prejudices, this can also affect our choice about what and how much we will eat in society. This is where anxiety and discrimination are already introduced into the story,” Dr. Rudok explained and added that the analysis of the study results show that we often choose food by thinking that some kind of judgment will be made about us based on it.
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Eating with others is a social act, a way of connecting with others, a ritual that has numerous positive effects. That is why it is not surprising that we eat more when we are in the company of family and friends.
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On the other hand, some are ashamed of themselves when, alone, in four walls, they eat excessive amounts of food.
That’s why experts definitely recommend meals in company, but not only for the food but also for socializing, sharing experiences and spending quality time.
Source: www.sitoireseto.com
