Many people begin to “lean” on sweet, fatty, and starchy foods when stressed. And researchers at Texas A&M University have found that such behavior can be not only a response to threat, but also an expression of fear of uncertainty.

The findings of the respective study were published in the journal Food Quality and Preference (FQP)

A total of 142 university students took part in the experiment in that regard. They were asked to imagine their lives in one of three situations: stable and safe associated with economic instability—such as job loss or debt problems, or in a dangerous environment with a risk of violence. After that, the volunteers were shown pairs of images of low- and high-calorie foods.

The aforesaid researchers used eye-tracking technology to record which photos the participants’ attention focused on longer. Overall, all participants were faster and longer at noticing and looking at high-calorie and filling foods. However, this response was especially pronounced in those who were mentally exposed to economic hardship and possible food shortages.

When thinking about possible physical threats, no such pattern was observed, and in a calm environment, some people, on the contrary, showed a greater interest in low-calorie foods.

According to the researchers, in conditions of uncertainty, the human body instinctively seeks to accumulate reserves for energy, especially when food restrictions are foreseen. This behavioral pattern is likely rooted in the process of evolution and has been preserved to this day. That is why stress often causes a desire for high-calorie foods—even if there is no physical need for them.