Stress may drive unhealthy eating in Food-Insecure adults

NCT ID NCT05191030

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at how stress influences food choices in 453 adults with varying levels of food insecurity. Participants were exposed to a stressful situation and then offered a buffet of high-calorie, sugary, and fatty foods. Researchers measured how much they ate and whether the stress hormone cortisol played a role. The goal is to understand the link between food insecurity, stress, and poor diet.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If successful, this research could help explain why food insecurity is linked to poor diet and metabolic problems, pointing toward better support strategies.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It measures responses in a lab setting, which may not reflect real-world behavior. Results are exploratory and may not lead to direct changes.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Stress, Psychological

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States