Cravings for Food and Socialization Stem From Same Brain Area

Comfort eating feels so...well, comfy. For a number of reasons, most of us indulge at some point. And, likewise, for a number of reasons, some of us are powerless against the urge to do so. Now, new evidence may be the breakthrough that helps some of us break free. It turns out that we may crave certain foods the same way we crave socializing with other people. Isolation may convince the brain to encourage overeating as a way to compensate for loneliness. 

Loneliness and the Body

Some people really seem to like being alone, but it’s a difficult experience for others. That may be because our brains want us to socialize and interact in the same way they want us to eat regularly. Just like not getting enough nutritious food may cause health problems, being alone too much might have similar effects. 

Research indicates that loneliness has numerous effects on the body’s systems. For example, social isolation may lead to higher rates of dementia and diabetes. Being alone may also weaken the immune system, contributing to certain types of mental illness. Looking out for signs of loneliness and working to alleviate those feelings may be just as important as eating when we’re hungry.

How the Brain Links Food and Socializing

Scientists did an experiment where they compared brain scans. They had people fast for 10 hours, and they also had others avoid any kind of social interaction for the same period. The same area of the brain was affected in both scenarios. That may indicate that our brains see both food and socialization as essential needs.

The affected region of the brain, a tiny area called the substantia nigra, was closely involved in the craving for food and contact with other people. It's important to note that this area contains dopamine neurons and has also been linked to cravings for drugs that have addictive properties. 

Using Socializing to Help Control Food Cravings

Among the issues people face when they’re lonely and can’t connect with others, is the urge to overeat. Because the same area of the brain affects both of these needs, it seems that we often try to substitute one solution for the other. But when it leads us to overeat, that may lead to health problems, obesity, and other concerns. 

Finding ways to connect with others may be a key way to help some overcome comfort eating urges. Some of the ways to do that include online social media and support groups or community events that bolster hobby participation (such as a knitting group or a biking group). It's valuable to remember that we don't necessarily have to leave home to socialize anymore.

Understanding what’s causing the desire to eat and how it might be mitigated by socializing could be a crucial way for people to reduce their overeating while gaining new healthy habits at the same time. Whether in-person or online, that socialization may be a part of our evolutionary needs and too many of us may be ignoring it to our own detriment. When we take our needs seriously, we benefit ourselves and set a good example for others in the community. So maybe it's time to go make some new friends?

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