New study reveals surprising way to curb candy cravings

Want to resist candy cravings? Try this trick backed by science.

A study published in the journal Scientific Reports unveiled that individuals who viewed videos of people consuming candy experienced a notable decrease in their desire for it.

Inspired by the trend of mukbang videos, where audiences observe hosts eating for entertainment, originally emerging from South Korea, researchers from NTU Singapore aimed to explore whether immersive video-watching, like mukbang, could trigger strong cravings or foster unhealthy eating behaviors such as binge eating.

Surprisingly, the findings unveiled the reverse effect. Contrary to expectations, these videos had an opposing influence.

The study revealed that participants who watched videos of individuals eating candy consumed, on average, around one-third less candy (32% to 38% less), roughly equivalent to three fewer pieces. This outcome suggests that repeated exposure to such eating videos creates a perception within the viewer that they themselves have already consumed the candy, subsequently diminishing their appetite for it.

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