Are you guilty of this?
Binge-eating can be defined as the consumption of large quantities of food in a short space of time and is often part of an eating disorder. It is a major cause of obesity and many people can find it hard to control.
A new study has found that one particular habit can contribute to binge-eating.
Researchers at UC Berkeley scanned the brains of 23 young adults, who were all in good heath. The first scan was after a normal night’s sleep and the second was a after rough night’s sleep.
“High-calorie foods also became significantly more desirable when participants were sleep-deprived. This combination of altered brain activity and decision-making may help explain why people who sleep less also tend to be overweight or obese.” Mathew Walker, author of the study said.
People who did not get a proper night sleep we more likely to crave foods high in sugar and salt as their body craved energy.
While the study might seem worrying and negative, the good news is the solution is pretty simple.
Walker said that “getting enough sleep is one factor that can help promote weight control by priming the brain mechanisms governing appropriate food choices.”
So remember the next time you’re staying up late watching Netflix, it’s not worth it, as it will affect your health pretty badly in the long run.
