Researchers are testing whether playing special computer games can train your brain to make better food choices. The games are designed to help people want fruits and vegetables more while wanting junk food less. In this study, 500 adults will play either brain training games focused on healthy foods or control games with flowers and birds for 8 weeks. Scientists want to see if the brain training group will actually eat more fruits and vegetables and less candy and fried snacks after the training period.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether playing computer games designed to train your brain can help you choose healthier foods like fruits and vegetables over junk food
  • Who participated: 500 adults aged 18-70 from across the United States with normal to moderately overweight BMI levels
  • Key finding: This is a study protocol - results are not yet available. The study is currently recruiting participants and collecting data
  • What it means for you: If successful, this could lead to accessible brain training programs to help improve eating habits, but we need to wait for the results first

The Research Details

This is a randomized controlled trial, which means participants are randomly assigned to either get the real brain training or a fake version (control group). Half the people play games that show fruits and vegetables in positive ways while making them avoid junk food images. The other half play neutral games with flowers and birds that don’t involve food at all. Both groups play their assigned games at least twice per week for 8 weeks.

This design helps scientists know if any changes in eating habits are really due to the brain training games and not just from paying more attention to food in general. By comparing the two groups, researchers can see if the specific type of training makes a difference.

This study uses gold-standard research methods with random assignment and a control group. However, it’s still in progress, so we don’t have results yet. The researchers are being transparent by publishing their plan ahead of time, which helps prevent bias in reporting results.

What the Results Show

Results are not yet available since this is a study protocol describing the research plan. The researchers are still collecting data from participants. They plan to measure whether people in the brain training group show better self-control around food and actually eat more fruits and vegetables compared to the control group.

The study will also look at whether the brain training affects how people’s brains respond to different foods and whether men and women respond differently to the training. They’re tracking how well people stick to the training schedule and whether more training leads to better results.

Previous research has shown that executive function (the brain’s self-control system) plays a role in food choices, but few studies have tested whether training these skills actually changes what people eat in real life. This study aims to fill that gap.

Since results aren’t available yet, we can only discuss potential limitations. The training requires people to use computers regularly, which might not work for everyone. Also, people need to stick with the program for 8 weeks, and early data shows many participants drop out.

The Bottom Line

It’s too early to recommend brain training games for healthy eating since this study hasn’t reported results yet. Wait for the findings before making changes to your routine based on this research.

People interested in new approaches to healthy eating should watch for results from this study. It could be especially relevant for those who struggle with food cravings or impulse eating.

Results from this study should be available within the next 1-2 years. If effective, it might take several more years to develop and test user-friendly versions of the training program.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your daily servings of fruits and vegetables and instances of junk food consumption to establish your baseline eating patterns
  • While waiting for study results, practice mindful eating by pausing before food choices and asking yourself if the option aligns with your health goals
  • Log your food cravings and the situations that trigger them to better understand your eating patterns and identify areas where brain training might help in the future

This is a study protocol and results are not yet available. Do not make dietary changes based on this research alone. Consult with healthcare providers before starting any new eating or training programs, especially if you have existing health conditions or eating disorders.