“Imagine having a pie chart to illustrate your daily thoughts—consider what fraction of that time is dedicated to contemplating food,” suggests Susan Albers, a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic and the author of Eating Mindfully: How to End Mindless Eating and Enjoy a Balanced Relationship with Food. “For individuals plagued by constant food noise, a staggering 80 to 90 percent of their waking hours can be consumed by thoughts of food.”
For those grappling with intrusive food noise, “it can disrupt their sleep patterns or lead to feelings of guilt or shame regarding their eating habits, as well as heightened anxiety,” explains Goldman. “Such mental distractions can significantly hinder an individual’s ability to function at their optimal level.”
By contrast, individuals experiencing only mild food noise may hardly perceive it, likening it to a faint hum in the back of their minds that is easily overlooked.
Who’s susceptible to food noise and why
While anyone can fall victim to food noise, those who are overweight or experiencing obesity often find themselves grappling with it more severely, complicating their weight loss efforts.
“If you frequently experience elevated levels of food noise, you are more inclined to respond to it by eating,” notes Cheskin.
In fact, research published in the journal Obesity Reviews reveals that heightened sensitivity to food cues frequently triggers cravings and steers eating behavior, thereby contributing to weight gain. Moreover, a 2024 report from Weight Watchers and STOP Obesity Alliance indicates that over half of individuals impacted by overweight or obesity encounter food noise, which they report makes adhering to a nutritious eating plan or fitness regimen significantly more challenging.
Other vulnerable groups may include those dealing with eating disorders or disordered eating tendencies. “If you are curbing your food intake or skipping meals, the likelihood of experiencing food noise increases—your body sends signals indicating it requires more nutrition,” explains Goldman.
Also, a multitude of strict food rules, coupled with years of yo-yo dieting, can heighten the experience of food noise. A study featured in a 2024 edition of the journal Appetite discovered that food noise is particularly pronounced among individuals suffering from orthorexia nervosa—a condition marked by an obsessive preoccupation with healthy eating, strict dietary guidelines, and persistent thoughts regarding food purity.
“There’s a considerable amount of shame and judgment associated with food noise,” states Albers. “This phenomenon can strain relationships, leading to social withdrawal and diminishing overall engagement in various life activities.”