A study on food cravings has confirmed what many men have believed since time began – women crave food more often than men do. According to the study, women crave food twice as often as men. 

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The research, conducted in France found that women seem to have their strongest cravings if they are depressed or anxious. Men, on the other hand, indulge their stomachs more often when they are happy. Other findings reveal that the desire for chocolate may indicate that you are tired and the urge for salty snacks or milk products may indicate your body wants a real meal.


Investigators gathered information about the food cravings and eating habits of 538 women and 506 men. The study participants kept diaries of eating habits and filled out questionnaires that also assessed their emotional and physical characteristics.


Biological and psychological factors may play a part in explaining craving differences between men and women. The researchers point to weight concern in women and the way women experience a different relationship between food and mood. 


The complete findings are published in the March issue of the International Journal of Eating Disorders.

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