Why do sad people eat ice cream

The researchers, from the University of Wurzburg, in Germany, also found that when people are particularly happy or sad they are better able to detect bitter, sweet and sour flavours.

People who are very emotional are less able to detect the fat in food. They asked a group of volunteers to taste a range of creamy drinks containing differing levels of fat. Before taking part in the tasting, they were shown three different video clips — one showing a happy scene, one a sad scene, and the other a dull one.

However, after watching the emotional videos, the volunteers were less able to detect whether the drinks were high in fat or not. Dr Paul Breslin, study co-author, said that he was surprised to discover being emotional meant that people were less able to detect fat, while their ability to perceive of other flavours increased.

He explained that these findings fit with others which imply that people who suffer from depression are less able to detect the levels of fat in their food. When people are particularly happy or sad they are 15 per cent better able to detect bitter, sweet and sour flavours. The research could explain why it is that recent research has shown that financial worries are causing people to pile on the pounds.

A Weight Watchers study found that three quarters of Britons are ignoring diet advice and gorging on unhealthy treats that lift their spirits in gloomy times. As a result, the report claims that The research also reveals that people are being taken in by the temptation of attractively priced unhealthy foods - eight out of ten cash strapped Britons admit to choosing cheap food over healthy options.

Terms Privacy Policy. All rights reserved. Universal Pictures. Dimension Films. Suggest a correction. Garin Pirnia. Parchment, Wax And Freezer Paper. Thanksgiving Without Turkey? Newsletter Sign Up. On the flip side, experiencing happiness actually curbs the consumption of unhealthy food products.

Emotional consumption is usually food because it is easily accessible and available to most people. Other outlets like smoking or gambling tend to have a history with the individual. Home News Health.