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| - Last Updated on August 14, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
An Instagram post claims that a 30-second forehead tapping can stop food cravings forever. We did the fact check to term it as Mostly False.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, if you tap your forehead for 30 seconds, your food cravings are gone forever. The person in the video cites a Boston study for this health claim.
Fact Check
Why do food cravings happen?
Food cravings are complex and extremely common, with more than 90% of the population experiencing it. They can be triggered by a variety of factors, including emotional stress, hormonal imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies. The brain’s reward system, particularly involving dopamine, plays a key role in the intense desire for specific foods, often those high in sugar, salt, or fat. These cravings are not just about hunger; they are deeply tied to psychological and physiological responses.
Is there any such study from Boston?
Yes, a 2014 study with the title “Effects of simple distraction tasks on self-induced food cravings in men and women with grade 3 obesity” was presented at The Obesity Society Annual Meeting in Boston. It examined the effects of 30-second tasks like forehead tapping on food cravings. The study found that these tasks temporarily reduced craving intensity and image vividness. However, we should look at the limitations of the study to get the complete context:
- Sample Size and Population: The study involved only 55 participants with grade 3 obesity, limiting the generalisability of the findings.
- Short-Term Effects: The study measured cravings immediately after the tasks, with no long-term follow-up to assess whether the effects persisted.
- Lack of Blinding: Participants were likely aware of the study’s purpose, which could bias their responses.
- Control Conditions: The study used a control task (staring at a wall), but further varied controls would be needed to isolate the specific effects of forehead tapping.
- Specificity of Tasks: Real-world effectiveness may differ due to varying environments and personal differences in craving susceptibility.
- Limited Scope of Cravings: The study focused on favourite foods, which may not represent all types of cravings, especially those triggered by complex factors.
- No Exploration of Mechanisms: The study did not investigate the psychological or neurological pathways through which these tasks might reduce cravings.
Can a 30-second forehead tapping really stop food cravings forever?
No, not really. The idea that a simple 30-second forehead tap can permanently eliminate food cravings is not true as per scientific evidence. The 2014 study mentioned in the claim video did find that forehead tapping, among other tasks, reduced the intensity of cravings. However, these effects were temporary and specific to the context of the study. The reduction in cravings was immediately after the task and did not have a lasting impact. Moreover, the study did not suggest that forehead tapping alone could permanently eliminate cravings. Instead, it was one of several distraction techniques that could help manage cravings in the short term.
Some studies on Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) have shown that tapping on specific acupressure points, including the forehead, can significantly reduce cravings and other psychological symptoms. These include anxiety and stress, these effects are generally short-term and require consistent practice. A 2019 research found that participants experienced a 74% reduction in cravings after EFT sessions, but the effects are not permanent and need to be maintained through regular use. Therefore, a 30-second forehead tap alone is unlikely to stop food cravings forever.
We checked with Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Heath, a General Physician based in Navi Mumbai for her take on forehead tapping for food cravings. She says, “There is no credible scientific evidence for the idea that tapping your forehead for 30 seconds can stop food cravings forever. While techniques like tapping (often associated with practices like Emotional Freedom Techniques or EFT) are sometimes promoted for reducing anxiety or stress, there is NO robust research indicating that tapping can permanently eliminate food cravings.”
Dr Fatma further explains, “Cravings are complex & can depend on various factors including physiological needs, emotional states & environmental triggers. Addressing them often requires a comprehensive approach involving dietary changes, mindfulness practices & sometimes behavioural therapy. If the claim were true, it would have significant implications, but as of now, there’s no reliable scientific basis to support it. So, while tapping MIGHT offer a short-term distraction or placebo effect (for some), it certainly won’t stop food cravings forever.”
We also interviewed Dr Kunal Gupta, MD (Physician), an Emergency Physician at Accord Superspeciality Hospital, Faridabad. He states, “Tapping the forehead reduces cravings by approximately 10% according to some research, but this effect is not permanent. The tapping temporarily distracts the brain, causing it to shift focus away from cravings and abdominal discomfort. However, once the effect of the tapping wears off, the same craving signals can re-emerge, often with greater intensity. Additionally, an empty stomach can worsen cravings due to physiological contractions, further increasing the intensity of the cravings.”
What are the proven ways to reduce or stop food cravings?
If you experience frequent or intense cravings, it may be helpful to consult with a healthcare provider or nutritionist. They will help you explore the underlying causes and develop strategies to manage them. Some of the ways you can manage your cravings are as follows:
- Mindful eating: This practice involves paying attention to your eating habits, recognising hunger cues, and distinguishing between emotional and physical hunger. Mindful eating can help reduce the likelihood of giving in to cravings.
- Regular meals and balanced nutrition: Eating regular, balanced meals with adequate protein, fibre, and healthy fats can help keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce cravings. A review from 2020 suggests that eating more protein can reduce appetite.
- Manage stress: Stress is a common trigger for cravings, particularly for comfort foods. Techniques like meditation, yoga, and regular physical activity can help manage stress and reduce cravings.
- Stay hydrated: Sometimes, the body can mistake thirst for hunger. Drinking water throughout the day can help reduce unnecessary snacking.
- Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can affect hunger hormones and increase cravings for high-calorie foods. Ensuring sufficient sleep is important for maintaining a healthy appetite.
- Address nutrient deficiencies: Cravings can sometimes be a sign of nutrient deficiencies. Ensuring you get enough vitamins and minerals through a balanced diet can help reduce specific cravings.
Should you rely on social media for health advice?
No, it’s essential to approach health claims on social media with caution. Claims on social media may come from people who are not even qualified to offer health advice. So it’s extremely important to be careful before making your health decisions. Not all advice is based on scientific evidence, and misinformation can spread quickly. For example, social media influencers suggest elbow tapping to cure heart blockages, and some allege that lack of hunger is a sign of stomach worms. But, as we said, these claims cannot be trusted, because they do not come from a qualified professional. It’s always best to verify claims by consulting reputable sources or healthcare professionals.
THIP Media Take
The claim that 30-second forehead tapping can stop food cravings forever is mostly false. Certain studies, including one presented at The Obesity Society Annual Meeting, suggest that distraction tasks like forehead tapping can temporarily reduce cravings. But, this is not a permanent solution. Proven methods to reduce cravings include mindful eating, stress management, regular meals, and addressing nutritional deficiencies. Unfortunately, food has been and still is a subject of misinformation. Like, we often come across posts which say it’s harmful to eat fruits after meals or that you shouldn’t drink water after eating food. However, these claims are baseless and devoid of any scientific support. Always verify health claims with credible sources and consult professionals for personalised advice.
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