Eating while distracted: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of distraction on concurrent and later energy intake in adults.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental trials
PubMed 41999952 · doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2026.101315
What was done
The authors conducted an updated systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines to determine the effect of distraction on concurrent and later energy intake in adults. Eligible experimental studies were identified from a prior 2012 meta-analysis, updated searches across PsycINFO, Medline, and PubMed through December 2024, and forward/backward citation searches. Generic inverse-variance meta-analyses and moderator analyses by distractor type were conducted.
What was found
Across 50 included studies (40 measuring concurrent intake, 10 measuring later intake): - The overall effect of distraction on concurrent energy intake was nonsignificant [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.123, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.25, P = 0.051]. - Distractor type moderated concurrent intake: passive distractors (e.g., TV watching) significantly increased energy intake [SMD = 0.272 (95% CI: 0.128, 0.417)], whereas physically demanding distractors [SMD = -0.139 (95% CI: -0.334, 0.057)] and cognitively demanding distractors [SMD = 0.202 (95% CI: -0.028, 0.432)] did not. - Distraction significantly increased later energy intake at a subsequent eating episode [SMD = 0.419 (95% CI: 0.195, 0.642)].
Why it matters
This meta-analysis clarifies that distracted eating reliably increases subsequent meal intake, but concurrent overeating depends on the nature of the distraction, occurring primarily during passive activities like watching television.
Limits
Total participant count and population demographics are not reported in the abstract. Only 10 studies measured later energy intake, and short-term laboratory experiments may not capture long-term habitual energy balance.
Cited by
- supports Eating while distracted increases food intake by approximately 15%.