Food noise, hunger and cravings are often treated as interchangeable, but they arise from different biological and psychological systems. In this episode, Mikki explains how physiological hunger develops gradually in response to the body’s energy needs, while cravings are shorter, cue-driven urges for specific foods. Food noise is different again: a persistent background hum of food-related thoughts linked to reward circuitry, rumination and heightened responsiveness to food cues.

Mikki explores why GLP-1 medications can dramatically quiet food noise, how stress, poor sleep and highly palatable foods can amplify it, and why intuitive eating may improve calmness around food without necessarily producing fat loss. She also outlines practical strategies, including improving protein and fibre intake, reducing easy access to trigger foods, addressing stress and sleep, and recognising when medical support may be appropriate.

Topics covered

The biological differences between hunger, cravings and food noise
Why food noise feels intrusive and repetitive
How GLP-1 medications affect food reward pathways
The role of stress, sleep and ultra-processed foods
Practical strategies for reducing appetite-related noise

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