In Defense of Food Noise
Lately, people have made a lot of…well, noise…about the concept of “food noise.” Social media, morning news shows, the radio, and health magazines keep pushing it into the spotlight. Suddenly, everyone seems aware of how much they think about food, and whether they should.
Where Did The Term Food Noise Come From?
So, where did this term come from and why does it appear so often? Brilliant pharmaceutical marketing teams created it. They promote GLP-1 medications as tools that “help reduce food noise.” Many people who use these medications confirm that this is one of the benefits.
BUT…what if food noise isn’t a bad thing?
Most people would probably admit they experience “food noise,” even though experts haven’t defined it well. The phrase describes a wide range of thoughts, emotions, and sensations. Saying that food noise is always good or bad oversimplifies the issue. From a biological perspective, what we now call “food noise” is simply the body encouraging us to eat. That’s good; it tells us when to eat. Marketing food noise as a problem to fix or eliminate can create serious problems.
What is Food Noise?
The simplest definition of “food noise” is “thoughts about food,” especially when those thoughts feel intrusive or bothersome. The bigger question is this: why do thoughts about food feel bothersome? Does someone truly experience an unusually high volume or intensity of food-related thoughts, daydreams, and obsessions? Or do they feel bad about thinking about lunch during a meeting because society has conditioned them to believe desiring food—or certain foods—is wrong? By demonizing food noise, we risk suppressing hunger cues as well as the natural pleasure and satisfaction food should provide.
When the body enters a state of semi- or full starvation, thoughts of food increase. That instinct ensures survival. Turning those cues off increases the risk of nutrition deficits. Research already shows that GLP-1 use decreases muscle mass. During starvation, the body breaks down muscle first to preserve fat. Inadequate intake also causes vitamin deficiencies, hormone changes, bone loss, and reduced immune function. Many long-term side effects of these medications remain unknown. This doesn’t mean the medications have no value—many people find them helpful. But we need to consider all factors and recognize the risks of shutting off hunger cues or food noise.
Thinking about food is part of being human. Food should feel pleasurable. When we attach shame or negative labels to food, we disconnect from our body’s natural signals that remind us to eat, and we reinforce harmful cultural messages that say enjoying food is wrong.
Examples of Food Noise
When I work with clients who feel concerned about their food noise, I explore what it means to them. Here are some examples of positive food noise:
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Looking forward to your lunch break because you packed something tasty
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Checking out a menu in advance and feeling excited to go to the restaurant
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Remembering leftover birthday cake in the fridge and planning to enjoy it after work
Other kinds of food noise might not feel good, but they still send important signals, such as:
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Noticing food thoughts distracting you because you skipped breakfast or didn’t eat enough
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Craving carbohydrates while following a low-carb diet
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Lying awake at night because you can’t stop thinking about food
These examples might seem problematic, but in reality, they show your body sending red-alert signals that you aren’t getting what you need. To support long-term health and a positive relationship with food, don’t suppress these signals—address the root cause. Disconnecting a smoke detector doesn’t prevent a fire; it just keeps you from realizing you’re in danger.
So, What Do We Do With All This Noise?
For some people, simply reframing food noise helps. For others, the thoughts still feel overwhelming. Addressing intrusive or excessive food noise may require nourishing yourself more consistently, easing food restrictions, or exploring your history with food in therapy. If thoughts about food overwhelm you or cravings feel uncomfortable, a registered dietitian or therapist can help. And if you want support around your relationship with food or guidance on adequate nutrition while using a GLP-1, we’re here to help—reach out here!
