Br J Health Psychol September 2021 PMID 33398921

Comfort eating: An observational study of affect in the hours immediately before, and after, snacking.

Stefania Franja, Deborah R Wahl, Katherine G Elliston, Stuart G Ferguson

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Mentions

32
Peak: 24 in Aug 2021
across 3 sources since Jan 2021

Extended reach

467,635
potential audience

Total likes

108

Video views

50

Mentions per month

Jan 2021 – Aug 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter29 posts
  • Facebook2 posts
  • YouTube1 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions collectively reinforce the idea that unhealthy snacks negatively affect mood, with posts citing specific results like mood improvement with healthy snacks and decline with unhealthy ones, using words like 'another reason' and 'doesn't work' that demonstrate strong interest and belief in the study's significance.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions support the study's findings that unhealthy snacks decrease mood and comfort eating isn't effective for mood improvement.

InterestHigh interest

Many posts highlight the relevance and implications of the research, indicating high engagement with the subject.

EngagementModerate engagement

Participants reference specific research outcomes and related presentations, showing a moderate level of engagement.

ImpactHigh impact

The posts emphasize practical implications, such as discouraging comfort eating, reflecting high perceived impact.

Abstract in brief

  • The study observed that individuals tend to experience stable affect before healthy snacking but show a decline in mood before unhealthy snacking, suggesting that negative emotions may trigger unhealthy eating habits.
  • After healthy snacks, mood improved, whereas unhealthy snacks did not lead to mood improvement, indicating that comfort eating might not effectively boost mood.
  • The results imply that promoting healthy snacks could enhance emotional well-being and inform interventions aimed at encouraging better dietary choices.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Dr Jen Unwin
@drjenunwin · X

New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! https://t.co/g5mdxTrOra

Aug 24, 2021 · 100 likes · 25 shares · 29,291 followers View post →
Dr. Laura M. König
@LauraMKoenig · X

Stuart's presentation on affect before and after snacking episodes has been published in the British Journal of Health Psychology #BJHP (w/ @stefaniafranja, Deborah Wahl @HealthPsyKN and @katelliston) https://t.co/ghZmjY5Hbj

Aug 25, 2021 · 3 likes · 1 share · 4,475 followers View post →
Sander Koole
@SLKoole · X

Or maybe depression increases cravings for comfort food/drinks? https://t.co/NnjFFVKgIl https://t.co/pt4mH3giUI

Sep 5, 2023 · 3 likes · 2,236 followers View post →
Tim Noakes
@ProfTimNoakes · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 25, 2021 · 25 shares · 158,409 followers View post →
Dr David Unwin
@lowcarbGP · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 25, 2021 · 25 shares · 112,570 followers View post →
CaryKelly11
@CaryKelly11 · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 24, 2021 · 25 shares · 64,729 followers View post →

All mentions

Brent Horleston
@HorlestonB · X

This study is important. It found negative affect (feelings) led to comfort eating. Stable affect led to healthy snack choices. BUT.. Healthy snacks improved affect, unhealthy snacks REDUCED it. Can't check the discussion to see why. Perhaps guilt? https://t.co/UWNSoP7RsL

Jul 11, 2024 · 36 followers View post →
Sander Koole
@SLKoole · X

Or maybe depression increases cravings for comfort food/drinks? https://t.co/NnjFFVKgIl https://t.co/pt4mH3giUI

Sep 5, 2023 · 3 likes · 2,236 followers View post →
Grace
@Christoph0bic · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Sep 10, 2021 · 25 shares · 190 followers View post →
paola
@pietradiluna · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Sep 1, 2021 · 25 shares · 123 followers View post →
Hugh
@OneFreeBobcat · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 28, 2021 · 25 shares · 404 followers View post →
Sue Terry
@susanterry124 · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 27, 2021 · 25 shares · 118 followers View post →
Cass2022
@namesillustrate · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 26, 2021 · 25 shares · 748 followers View post →
Maurício Lima
@dj_surfista · X

Humor mais negativo antes e depois de lanches "não saudáveis". Comer para melhorar o ânimo não funciona! #ComfortEating #snacking https://t.co/jq6PAV9z6F

Aug 25, 2021 · 743 followers View post →
EHPS Digital Health & Computer-Tailoring (SIG)
@EHPSDigiHealth · X

RT @LauraMKoenig: Stuart's presentation on affect before and after snacking episodes has been published in the British Journal of Health Ps…

Aug 25, 2021 · 1 share · 811 followers View post →
Dr. Laura M. König
@LauraMKoenig · X

Stuart's presentation on affect before and after snacking episodes has been published in the British Journal of Health Psychology #BJHP (w/ @stefaniafranja, Deborah Wahl @HealthPsyKN and @katelliston) https://t.co/ghZmjY5Hbj

Aug 25, 2021 · 3 likes · 1 share · 4,475 followers View post →
L ❤ V E
@drkohilathas · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 25, 2021 · 25 shares · 47,967 followers View post →
Clarissa Kennedy
@foodaddiction4u · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 25, 2021 · 25 shares · 897 followers View post →
Bongani Mayosi Health Sciences Library (BMHSL)
@uct_bmhsl · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 25, 2021 · 25 shares · 1,592 followers View post →
paulo alvarez
@rpaulotovar · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 25, 2021 · 25 shares · 439 followers View post →
Tim Noakes
@ProfTimNoakes · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 25, 2021 · 25 shares · 158,409 followers View post →
Marit Kolby
@MaritKolby · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 25, 2021 · 25 shares · 4,826 followers View post →
Julie
@relisys222 · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 25, 2021 · 25 shares · 5,453 followers View post →
Guru
@KamathGurudutt · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 25, 2021 · 25 shares · 10,649 followers View post →
wendylee
@wendylee21742 · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 25, 2021 · 25 shares · 2,022 followers View post →
Azgard
@yestinj · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 25, 2021 · 25 shares · 1,709 followers View post →
Dr David Unwin
@lowcarbGP · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 25, 2021 · 25 shares · 112,570 followers View post →
DanPincus
@danpincus · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 24, 2021 · 25 shares · 1,960 followers View post →
CaryKelly11
@CaryKelly11 · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 24, 2021 · 25 shares · 64,729 followers View post →
Niki K
@nikharlov · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 24, 2021 · 25 shares · 62 followers View post →
Graham Phillips: The Pharmacist Who Gave Up Drugs
@grahamsphillips · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 24, 2021 · 25 shares · 5,658 followers View post →
Sandy Ritterson
@SandyRitterson · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 24, 2021 · 25 shares · 12 followers View post →
Kelly Katharin
@KellyKatharin · X

RT @jen_unwin: New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! http…

Aug 24, 2021 · 25 shares · 8,071 followers View post →
Dr Jen Unwin
@drjenunwin · X

New study: mood more negative before and after ‘unhealthy’ snacks. Another reason not to ‘comfort’ eat-it doesn’t work! https://t.co/g5mdxTrOra

Aug 24, 2021 · 100 likes · 25 shares · 29,291 followers View post →
Psychology Bot
@PsychologyBot24 · X

Comfort eating: An observational study of affect in the hours immediately before, and after, snacking https://t.co/cK5QBAO8px #psychology

Jan 19, 2021 · 232 followers View post →