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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
07:07
Errors as a Means of Reducing Impulsive Food Choice
Published on: June 5, 2016
Concurrent visuo-spatial processing reduces food cravings in prescribed weight-loss dieters
Eva Kemps1, Marika Tiggemann, Rebecca Christianson
1School of Psychology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia. Eva.Kemps@flinders.edu.au
Summary
Dynamic visual noise and thought suppression both reduce food cravings. For individuals actively dieting, dynamic visual noise is more effective than thought suppression for managing cravings.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Food cravings are a significant barrier to weight management.
- Cognitive strategies are explored to mitigate these cravings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of thought suppression and dynamic visual noise in reducing food cravings.
- To determine if effectiveness varies between dieting and non-dieting individuals.
Main Methods:
- Participants (dieting and non-dieting) visualized craved foods.
- Interventions included thought suppression or dynamic visual noise (a flickering pattern).
- Craving levels were measured before and after interventions.
Main Results:
- Both thought suppression and dynamic visual noise reduced food cravings in all participants.
- Dynamic visual noise was significantly more effective for the dieting group (Weight Watchers).
- Non-dieters showed similar craving reduction with both methods.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic visual noise is a promising technique for managing food cravings in individuals pursuing weight loss.
- This cognitive strategy may aid in controlling problematic cravings for overweight and obese individuals.
- Tailoring craving-management techniques to dieting status is important.
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