Why are people talking about food noise?

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The term 'food noise' has been used by some to describe thoughts about food that are unwelcome and intrusive. People who have used weight-loss medication have reported that the drugs can help to quieten these thoughts. Ruth Alexander explores how frequent thoughts about food can be a pleasure for some, but distressing for others. Ashley Ripple in Alabama explains why she feels the term fits her own thoughts about food and what happened when she took GLP-1 medication. Daisuke Hayashi a phd student at Pennsylvania State University has conducted research on what the term means to different people and Emily Dhurandhar an obesity scientist at Texas Tech University worked on one of the first questionnaires seeking to measure food noise. Dr Charlotte Ord a counselling psychologist in the UK specialising in eating disorders and body image says she’s concerned people may get the message that all thoughts about food should be silenced. And Mexican chef and food writer, Pati Jinich, author of 'Foods of La Frontera', explains why her constant thoughts about food are a source of joy and inspiration. (Image: A cartoon silhouette of a woman who is thinking, images of different foods such as a hotdog, egg and avocado float around her head. Credit: Getty Images) If you’d like to contact the programme you can email thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk Producer: Beatrice Pickup and Amber Mehmood Sound engineer: Hal Haines