A new study suggests that something as simple as listening to your favourite music while eating could help reduce cravings for sugary and unhealthy foods.
Researchers found that playing music people enjoy during mealtimes may encourage healthier food choices, while listening to songs they dislike can have the opposite effect — increasing the urge to consume high-sugar snacks.
Poor dietary habits remain a major contributor to obesity, particularly in countries such as the United Kingdom, where government data shows around one in four adults is classified as obese.
Demand for weight-loss injections such as Ozempic has surged in recent years as many seek quicker solutions to manage their weight.
However, researchers from the University of Graz in Austria believe simple lifestyle adjustments — including music selection during meals — could offer an alternative approach to influencing eating habits.
Experiment With 106 Participants
The research team recruited 106 men and women in their 20s and divided them into two groups.
One group was asked to select a piece of music they enjoyed listening to, while the other group chose songs they disliked.
Participants were then seated in front of a table containing two snack options: sugary sweets and grapes.
While listening to their selected music through headphones, cameras monitored the participants’ eye movements to observe which food items attracted their attention the most.
They were later asked which snack they preferred to eat.
Mood Influences Food Choices
Results published in the journal Appetite revealed that participants who listened to music they disliked were more likely to choose sugary sweets.
In contrast, those listening to their favourite songs were more inclined to pick the healthier option — grapes.
Researchers said music can significantly influence a person’s mood, which in turn affects appetite and food preferences.
“Given the established links between mood and appetite, music may offer a promising tool for promoting healthier eating behaviours,” the researchers noted.
They added that the findings suggest music could help reduce appetite and potentially limit overeating when incorporated into everyday routines.
