At Penn State University, nutritional sciences researchers have launched pioneering work to explore the contours of this concept. Assistant Professor Travis Masterson highlights the term’s pervasiveness across online communities and stresses the necessity of rigorously defining “food noise” for research and clinical applications. Understanding how individuals experience and describe these pervasive food-related thoughts is crucial. It enables the development of evidence-based interventions that can differentiate scientifically grounded claims from wellness marketing tactics exploiting the phrase.

In a recent study published in Nutrition and Diabetes, Masterson and colleagues embarked on a comprehensive content analysis of TikTok videos tagged with #foodnoise. TikTok, a dominant social media platform, has become an influential venue where personal experiences and health narratives converge. The research team scrutinized the top 100 recommended videos to uncover prevailing themes, conceptualizations of “food noise,” and associated discussions surrounding medications that modulate appetite and eating behavior.

Findings revealed a clear pattern: the majority of videos portrayed food noise as a distressing and all-consuming mental state. Creators described it as an incessant preoccupation with food — questions about what to eat, when, and how to manage cravings — that persists independently of physiological hunger signals. The cognitive burden reported by content creators extended beyond eating behaviors, implicating attention detriments that interfere with professional productivity, exercise routines, and quality time with family and friends.

This examination sheds light on the psychological dynamics underlying food noise, linking it conceptually to the established scientific framework of food cue reactivity. Food cue reactivity characterizes the physiological and neural responses elicited by both internal states (such as hunger cues) and environmental triggers (like the sight or smell of food), which collectively promote the desire to eat. Though extensively studied, this term has yet to permeate mainstream health conversations or clinical practice to the degree that food noise – a more accessible and resonant phrase – has online.

First author Daisuke Hayashi, a postdoctoral scholar at Penn State, emphasizes the importance of centering patient voices in this discourse. The lived realities of individuals grappling with persistent food thoughts frequently get overshadowed by stigmatizing narratives that attribute such struggles to personal failings or weak willpower. By systematically analyzing social media content, this research elevates these personal testimonies, offering empirical insight into a phenomenon often marginalized or misunderstood.

The team’s methodical approach involved creating a TikTok account and accessing a sample of videos tagged under #foodnoise in June 2024. After eliminating duplicates, 99 videos comprised the final dataset, predominantly created by women aged 30 and older. Personal testimonials formed over 70% of the content, with approximately 22% authored by healthcare practitioners who provided professional perspectives on the subject. Remarkably, over 85% of videos framed food noise negatively, underscoring the intrusive and relentless nature often associated with these experiences.

An intriguing element was the frequent mention of GLP-1 receptor agonists within nearly half the sampled videos. Content creators described these medications metaphorically as a “mute button” that noticeably dampened food-related thoughts, highlighting the neurochemical modulation involved in appetite control. These drugs mimic natural gut hormones that regulate hunger and satiety signals in the central nervous system, offering relief to individuals burdened by overwhelming food noise.

The study also contrasted the public’s descriptions of food noise with a theoretical definition proposed by the researchers in prior work published in Nutrients. This definition conceptualizes food noise as a persistent cognitive interference with eating regulation, distinct from normal hunger sensations. Notably, 94% of videos providing explicit definitions aligned with this academic framing, suggesting a convergence between lived experience and emerging scientific understanding.

Masterson’s research agenda extends beyond this initial analysis. The team plans subsequent studies examining social media comments to investigate public responses and attitudes toward food noise content. Moreover, integrating clinical data and neurological research aims to map the temporal dynamics of food noise, identifying critical moments of vulnerability that might precipitate disordered eating episodes, including binge eating.

Ultimately, this research aspires to inform innovative intervention strategies tailored to interrupt food noise in real-time, leveraging a moment-based approach to minimize its impact on behavior and mental health. By bridging patient narratives, clinical insights, and social media discourse, the Penn State researchers are charting novel pathways to unravel the complex interplay between cognition, physiology, and modern eating challenges.

This work exemplifies the transformative potential of interdisciplinary research, blending nutritional physiology, behavioral science, and digital culture analysis to confront a burgeoning health concern. Supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Brazilian Fulbright Commission, the study underscores the critical role of sustained federal funding in nurturing scientific innovation that enhances public well-being.

As this emerging concept gains traction, it opens a window into understanding how pervasive thoughts about food influence our daily lives, far beyond the scope of hunger or conscious decision-making. Shedding light on these mental processes not only challenges stigmatizing narratives surrounding eating behaviors but also lays the foundation for more compassionate and effective clinical practices.

In a societal landscape increasingly characterized by sensory and information overload, elucidating phenomena like food noise offers vital insights into the cognitive burdens shaping our relationship with food. It heralds new opportunities for therapeutic advances designed to restore mental quietude, empower individuals in their health journeys, and reduce the stigma often associated with eating difficulties.

Subject of Research: People
Article Title: “And just like that, quiet”: a content analysis of TikTok videos on food noise
News Publication Date: 29-Apr-2026
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41387-026-00423-z
References: Masterson, T., Hayashi, D., Kort, J., Orabueze, D., Bakhl, K., Robles-Martinez, I. (2026). “And just like that, quiet”: a content analysis of TikTok videos on food noise. Nutrition and Diabetes. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41387-026-00423-z
Keywords: Nutritional physiology, Nutrition, Weight loss, Foods, Social media, Communications

Mouth breathing during sleep is not uncommon, especially when the nasal airflow is compromised due to congestion, anatomical abnormalities, or chronic inflammatory conditions. Habitual mouth breathing has been implicated in worsened sleep quality and the development of sleep-disordered breathing – a range of disorders that encompasses snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome, and OSA. Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by repeated complete or partial blockage of the upper airway during sleep, leading to intermittent hypoxia and fragmented sleep architecture. These disruptions have wide-reaching health consequences, ranging from cardiovascular disease to impaired cognitive function.

The concept behind mouth taping is straightforward: by physically preventing the mouth from opening during sleep, nasal breathing is encouraged or enforced, theoretically reducing the incidence of apneas or hypopneas associated with oral airflow. This hypothesis has attracted considerable attention across social media channels, particularly among influencers and celebrities endorsing mouth taping as a simple and natural remedy. Despite its popularity and anecdotal endorsements, the scientific community has yet to converge on a consensus about its therapeutic benefit or safety profile.

To elucidate the state of knowledge, Dr. Brian Rotenberg and colleagues at Western University in Canada conducted a systematic review collating data from 10 previously published studies that investigated the effects of nighttime mouth taping on patients experiencing mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing. These studies collectively involved 213 patients and incorporated a variety of methodologies, including clinical trials, observational studies, and pilot investigations. The review critically assesses the evidence of benefit in relation to objective sleep parameters as well as the associated risks.

Among the analyzed studies, only two demonstrated a modest benefit of mouth taping, specifically in patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea. These studies reported slight improvements in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), a clinical metric quantifying the number of apnea and hypopnea events per hour of sleep, which serves as a standard measure of sleep apnea severity. Notably, these findings were limited to small subgroups and lacked consistency across different patient populations or study designs, preventing generalized conclusions.

Conversely, the majority of the studies yielded no significant evidence that the practice ameliorates mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, or obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. Some investigations even suggested neutral or negligible changes in sleep outcomes after mouth taping, challenging the notion that physically sealing the mouth translates into clinical improvement. These discrepancies highlight the heterogeneity of study designs and patient characteristics, undermining the establishment of a clear therapeutic recommendation.

Perhaps of greater concern than the ambiguous efficacy is the identification of potential serious risks associated with mouth taping. Four of the ten studies explicitly discussed the danger of asphyxiation, particularly in individuals whose nasal airways are obstructed due to chronic rhinitis, deviated septum, sinonasal disease, enlarged tonsils, or allergic conditions like hay fever. For these populations, forced oral closure could critically impair their ability to breathe during sleep, raising the specter of suffocation or severe hypoxemia, which can have life-threatening consequences.

From a physiological standpoint, the nasal passages serve crucial functions beyond mere airflow, including air humidification, filtration, and temperature regulation. Nasal breathing also promotes nitric oxide production, which has important vasodilatory effects and contributes to overall respiratory health. The enforced mouth closure without considering nasal patency not only neglects these benefits but risks exacerbating ventilation-perfusion mismatches during sleep, particularly in vulnerable individuals.

Given the paucity of robust evidence supporting nighttime mouth taping and the documented safety concerns, Dr. Rotenberg and his team advocate caution. Their systematic review concludes that there is currently no scientific justification to endorse this trend as a viable therapeutic intervention for sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea. The authors emphasize the critical need for rigorous, well-designed randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes, standardized protocols, and long-term follow-up to clarify the risks and benefits of mouth taping.

This review also underscores broader issues surrounding the dissemination of health-related information via social media. Mouth taping’s ascendancy is largely attributed to celebrity endorsements and viral online content that often lacks scientific validation. Such endorsements risk misleading the public and encouraging potentially harmful self-treatment behaviors. The medical community faces the ongoing challenge of countering misinformation and providing evidence-based guidance within a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The researchers caution that mouth taping is not universally appropriate; in some cases, it might precipitate serious harm. Health practitioners need to screen patients carefully for nasal obstructions and other contraindications before considering any form of oral taping or similar interventions in managing sleep-disordered breathing. Until definitive research is available, reliance on established clinical therapies such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), positional therapy, weight management, and, when indicated, surgical interventions remains paramount.

In light of their findings, the authors encourage the public and clinicians alike to approach such contemporary trends with critical scrutiny. The perception that simple, do-it-yourself solutions can replace complex medical diagnoses and management strategies risks overshadowing the importance of professional evaluation. Safe and effective treatment of sleep-disordered breathing requires a nuanced understanding of the underlying pathophysiology tailored to individual patient needs.

As the connection between sleep, respiratory physiology, and systemic health continues to be elucidated, this study serves as a timely reminder of the perils of adopting unproven medical fads. It highlights the necessity for continued scientific inquiry, education, and communication efforts to ensure that innovations in sleep medicine are grounded in empirical evidence rather than social media hype or anecdotal reports. The clinical community, patients, and the public must navigate these waters cautiously, prioritizing safety and efficacy to improve sleep health outcomes globally.

Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Breaking social media fads and uncovering the safety and efficacy of mouth taping in patients with mouth breathing, sleep disordered breathing, or obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review
News Publication Date: 21-May-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0323643
References: Rhee J, Iansavitchene A, Mannala S, Graham ME, Rotenberg B (2025) Breaking social media fads and uncovering the safety and efficacy of mouth taping in patients with mouth breathing, sleep disordered breathing, or obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review. PLoS One 20(5): e0323643.
Image Credits: Mohamed_hassan, Pixabay, CC0
Keywords: mouth taping, sleep-disordered breathing, obstructive sleep apnea, apnea-hypopnea index, nasal obstruction, asphyxiation risk, systematic review, social media health trends, respiratory physiology