A study by the University of Bristol and University at Buffalo involving 840 participants found dieters spent more time viewing high-calorie food videos but ate less afterward.
The research suggests visual exposure to tempting foods may partially satisfy cravings, challenging the belief that digital food content always encourages overeating among those trying to restrict intake.
Experts caution the effect may not apply to everyone, particularly those with binge eating tendencies, and note the findings reflect short-term behavior in controlled settings rather than long-term real-world outcomes.
Can our brains be tricked into feeling full just by watching a screen?
Is digital 'window shopping' for food the future of appetite control?
If watching cake helps adults diet, what does it do to children?
Could your food video habit be a secret weight loss tool?
When does looking at food online cross from craving control into a problem?