Do we eat more when watching sports matches? A study clarifies

Arabia Weather - Many people resort to eating ready-made and quick-prepared foods while watching football matches, whether in cafes or at home. Many studies have shown that watching sports matches leads to an increase in food consumption, which may affect human health.

Watching sporting events increases the amount of food consumed

With the increasing broadcast of sporting events and matches, questions arise about the impact of watching these events on the amount of food we eat.

The answer is yes. New research published by Science Alert reveals that watching sports videos can increase sweets consumption, and that the effects vary depending on the type of sport being followed.

112 students participated in the research, who were invited to a laboratory to watch a video clip and test some candy. Half of the students watched a video of men and women exercising, while the other half watched a video of people without any physical activity.

The researchers gave each student a cup of candy containing 70 grams, and asked them to evaluate the quality of its contents within three minutes.

Students who watched the sports video clip ate more candy than those who watched the clip in which people did not engage in any physical activity.

Males ate a larger amount of sweets than females

Preliminary testing showed that watching sports videos can increase candy consumption, with male students eating a greater amount of candy than female students. However, researchers are still unsure whether the type of sports watched affects candy intake.

Easy and difficult sports

To learn more, students were invited to watch videos depicting easy sports (light running) or difficult sports (long jump, gymnastics, baseball, rugby, or rock climbing). Next, they were invited to test the same candy as before.

The female students who watched the easy sports video clip (light running) ate a larger amount of candy (30.1 grams) compared to those who watched the difficult sports video clip (18 grams).

Conclusions

The results indicate that the ease or difficulty of exercise significantly influences sweet consumption. Watching easy sports leads to eating a much larger amount of candy than watching difficult sports.

To explain these findings, the researchers looked to research on goal motivation. When people feel like they're not achieving a goal, they try harder, but once they see progress, they tend to slack off.

What are the wrong foods that are often eaten while watching matches?

Nutritionist Abu Rjaili warns that these foods are often rich in fat and salt, which leads to weight gain and associated health risks. Therefore, it is important to go towards healthy alternatives. For example, instead of choosing fried chicken, you can eat grilled chicken, and instead of french fries, you can eat grilled potatoes. Also, choosing healthy dishes such as salad prepared with light sauces is a better option to avoid weight gain and health problems.

Also, there is a lot of consumption of soft drinks and manufactured juices while watching matches, which are rich in sugar, colorings and calories, which can lead to weight gain.

Chips are also a common food among those who watch matches, and Abu Rjaili warns against them. Despite their delicious taste, chips contain a high percentage of fat, calories, and salt, which negatively affects health and fitness. There are about 164 calories in every 30 grams of chips, and large quantities of them can be eaten while sitting in front of the TV, which increases calorie consumption. Therefore, it is preferable to choose grilled chips instead of fried as a healthy alternative. Also, crackers contain about 150 calories per 30 grams, and should not be eaten in excess.

As for salted nuts, you should be careful with them and avoid them as much as possible.

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