The mirror, as a self-awareness enhancing tool, which can modify food consumption behaviours

Abstract

Many health problems are linked to obesity and being overweight, however there is little evidence that the diet industry is actively helping people to lose weight. Additionally, some weight-loss plans have even caused medical harm such as fatigue, hair loss, dizziness, and other negative symptoms (National Institute of Health, 1992). Moreover, there is a clear relationship between the physical environment and food consumption. As research by Melin and Gotestam (1981) stated minor changes in the physical environment can promote therapeutic changes in eating behaviour. Therefore, environmental manipulation and altering design elements may affect food consumption. In addition, weight loss programs are difficult to apply due to time constraints, motivational issues or cost.

In this study the researchers aimed to investigate the design of the physical environment by including a mirror and considering its relationship to food consumption. The sample consisted of 30 females from Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. The Paired T-test was employed to assess consumption time before and after the implementation of the mirrors. Firstly, the researchers measured the food before and after consumption. Secondly, they measured time spent consuming food. In addition there was an observation of eating behaviours. The results found the presence of the mirror made the participants eat less and spent more time adjusting and modifying their behavior such as eating quickly and chewing food. Self-awareness seems to be crucial in instigating a change of eating behaviour. The practical applications of this study are potentially wide reaching and should demonstrate the benefit of using mirrors to encourage a healthier society and help people changing the bad eating habits and lose weight. There is a high statistical difference (P=0.001) between eating time in front of the mirror and without the mirror.

Keywords: Mirror, Food consumption, self-awareness, interior design, behavior.