Research

Adherence

State boredom increases energy intake (calories, fat, carbohydrates, and protein) in a dose-dependent manner, independent of other negative emotions.

If you find yourself reaching for food when you are bored, recognize this as a specific psychological trigger distinct from hunger or stress. The paper suggests that boredom drives you to seek stimulation or escape self-awareness. To counter this, try to engage in an activity that provides 'excitement' or meaning rather than just consuming food, or choose 'exciting' healthy foods (like cherry tomatoes) if you must snack.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
state boredom was significantly positively associated with energy consumption... state boredom was significantly positively associated with the consumption of fats... state boredom was significantly, positively associated with carbohydrate intake... state boredom was significantly positively associated with the amount of protein consumed
Andrew B. Moynihan et al. · Frontiers in Psychology · 2015

Why this rating

Three studies with convergent evidence (diary, self-report, behavioral), though self-awareness is a moderator.

Source

Eaten up by boredom: consuming food to escape awareness of the bored self

Andrew B. Moynihan et al. · Frontiers in Psychology · 2015

unknown · n=156Cited 402×
Read the paper

This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →