A recent study conducted by researchers at the UCLA Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center found a correlation between loneliness and altered brain activity related to food cravings in women. The study, which involved 93 women in Los Angeles, revealed that those who reported feeling lonely or socially isolated also had changes in specific brain regions responsible for cravings for sugary foods and higher motivation to eat unhealthy foods. These women also reported having poor eating habits and mental health issues.
The researchers explained that loneliness is a subjective state and does not solely depend on the quantity of social connections a person has. They suggested that individuals who are socially isolated may experience stronger cravings for foods that quickly raise blood glucose levels. Sweet foods, in particular, are highly rewarding and can have an analgesic effect that helps reduce the pain associated with social exclusion.
Previous studies have shown that loneliness can lead to increased activation in certain areas of the brain associated with cravings, similar to what is observed in individuals with food and drug addiction. The researchers aimed to further investigate the link between loneliness and obesity by studying the brain activity of the 93 women participants while showing them images of food and non-edible items. The participants who reported feeling lonely or socially isolated were found to have higher fat mass, poorer eating habits, and increased cravings for unhealthy foods.
The study also highlighted that loneliness can alter the brain’s response to food cues, making individuals more sensitive to internal appetite states and increasing their motivation towards external food cues. Sweet foods, in particular, were found to have a more significant impact on brain reactivity in lonely individuals compared to savory foods. This heightened reactivity to food cues could lead to maladaptive eating behaviors, cravings, and an increased risk of food addiction.
To break the cycle of loneliness and unhealthy eating habits, the researchers suggested becoming aware of feelings of loneliness and seeking connections with others. They also recommended practicing self-compassion as a potential solution. The findings of the study were published in JAMA Network Open on April 4, 2024, shedding light on the complex relationship between social isolation, brain activity, and eating behaviors in women.
