Scientists Bet You Bet Better On An Empty Tummy — Dave’s Diary

We’ve all done it and we all have paid the price. I refer of course to the higher price paid for shopping for groceries on an empty stomach.  Who among us hasn’t purchased more than we need or that common sense would dictate?  We’ve also been told not to swim on a full stomach but let’s not get sidetracked.  So what CAN we do on an empty stomach? How about place your bets.A new study reported in the Daily Mail finds that people make better decisions when gambling on an empty stomach. Participants in the study were asked to fast the night before, then some were given food while others were not. Those with empty stomachs made better snap decisions and had a better perception of future big rewards.  Actual hunger helped shape actions based on achieving a hunger for success.

Scientists figure hunger and appetite in particular do not necessarily make people more impulsive but rather make them rely more on their gut feeling which benefits complex decisions with uncertain outcomes. (Daily Mail)