Anglia Ruskin University study links nature contact to intuitive eating

A study conducted by Anglia Ruskin University and published in the journal Body Image suggests that contact with nature is linked to healthier eating habits through psychological mediators. The research, led by social psychology professor Viren Swami, involved 500 adults in the UK.

The findings indicate that nature contact does not necessarily influence eating habits directly, but rather through indirect pathways. The strongest connection was found between nature exposure and intuitive eating—an approach focused on internal hunger and satiety signals—mediated by higher levels of body appreciation. This suggests that being in natural environments helps individuals feel more comfortable and responsive to their bodies.

Other identified pathways include increased self-compassion, which acts as a buffer against impulsive eating triggered by difficult emotions, and a combination of self-compassion and improved body image. While the study shows a positive relationship, researchers noted that the data is based on self-reporting and does not establish direct causality.