Movie violence acutely affects food choices in young adults

Extensive research has been conducted to investigate the effects of media violence on attitudes, behaviors, and cardiovascular health; however, only few studies have examined its effect on appetite, eating behavior and food preferences. Little attention has been given to understand how movie genre manipulates the physiology and the eating behavior of individuals. The present study aimed at investigating the acute effect of violence content in movies on appetite perception, heart rate and blood pressure, along with food preferences and intake in young individuals.

Participants (n = 84) were randomly assigned to either watch a violent movie or a non-violent narrative movie. Measurements including anthropometry, heart rate, blood pressure and grip strength were taken and appetite as well as stress perception were assessed. Subjects were then provided with an individual snack tray containing various items to be consumed ad libitum.

Post intervention, the experimental group (EG) had a higher consumption of fatty (t (82) = 2.28, p = 0.025, d = 1.52) and salty (t (82) = 2.61, p = 0.01, d = 0.71) food items compared to the control group (CG). Out of the 42 participants in the EG 62% consumed >2 fatty items and 71.4% consumed >2 salty food items. No significant difference in the consumption of sugary items was observed between the two groups.

Movie violence affects eating behavior and may promote weight gain.