How do you know if you experience food noise—and why does it matter?
In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Dr. Michelle Cardel, PhD, MS, RD, Chief Nutrition Officer at WeightWatchers, to explore the concept of food noise—those persistent, intrusive thoughts about food that aren’t driven by hunger—and why understanding it is critical in today’s obesity care landscape.
Together, they dive into the science behind the new, validated Food Noise Questionnaire, how it’s being used in research and clinical care, and what it reveals about the impact of GLP-1 medications on eating behavior, mental peace, and quality of life. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to “feel free” from food, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways
• Food noise refers to persistent, intrusive thoughts about food—even in the absence of hunger—that can disrupt daily life and emotional well-being.
• The newly validated Food Noise Questionnaire (FNQ) offers a simple, 5-question tool to help assess the intensity of food noise and track changes over time.
• GLP-1 medications have been shown to significantly reduce food noise, offering mental relief and enabling better adherence to nutrition and lifestyle goals.
• Patients often describe feeling “free” or “at peace” for the first time in their lives—sometimes even choosing to stay on medication regardless of weight loss outcomes.
• Measuring food noise helps shift the conversation away from willpower and toward biology and behavior, reducing stigma and improving obesity care.
About my Guest
Michelle Cardel, PhD, MS, RD, FTOS, is a clinical nutrition scientist, registered dietitian, and Chief Nutrition Officer at WeightWatchers. She leads global research, academic partnerships, and program development focused on evidence-based, equitable obesity care. Dr. Cardel co-developed the Food Noise Questionnaire and has authored over 120 peer-reviewed publications.
How to Connect
Instagram & TikTok: @DrMichelleCardel
Twitter/X: @MichelleCardel
LinkedIn: Dr. Michelle Cardel
Food Noise Questionnaire Paper: Access the full-text in Obesity Journal – Jan 2025 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39828656/
Take the Online Quiz: https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/food-noise
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