Poor nutrition is a growing phenomenon that can take many forms depending on an individual’s situation and his environment. To better understand the food issues that affect us, researchers from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Sciences at theUniversity of Toronto carried out a survey study. Their experiences have led to a better understanding of the causes of cheat meal.
A cheat diet is a phenomenon that consists of deviating from the usual meals to consume higher in calories, before returning to healthy foods. The goal of the study is to understand the true causes of this phenomenon as well as its influence on the health of individuals who indulge in it.
Ganson, an assistant professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Toronto, was the lead researcher. The conclusions and the course of the study appear in Journal of Eating Disorders.
The phenomenon of cheat meals gangrene society
According to surveys of about 2,700 teenagers and young adults, almost a third of the population (transgender or not) has least once delivered to a cheat meal. The reasons for this practice are diverse. These include behaviors such as binge eating, compulsive exercise and fasting, specifically in men. In rare people, it may be overeating habits.
The phenomenon is all the more aggravated with the influence of social networks that highlight these types of meals. However, scientists have focused on the link between rich meals and eating disorders.
“Cheat meals are very popular on the internet. Our goal was to understand the link between these meals and the psychopathology of eating disorders. »
Ganson, assistant professor in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Toronto
A disparity between the tastes of men and women
The study also revealed that men different tastes than women when it comes to choosing a cheat meal. While the boys turn to food high in proteinthe women appreciate the dairy products, salty and sweet. This behavior could be explained by the fact that men are more likely to develop their muscle tone, especially when practicing fitness.
“Rich meals are popular with men as they promote muscle development during fitness. »
Ganson, assistant professor in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Toronto.
SOURCE: SCITECHDAILY