Obese better at imagining smells

Imagine the delicious aroma of fresh-baked bread — now examine your waistline.

Notice a connection?

Scientists have discovered that obese people can imagine smells more vividly than those who are slim.

They believe differences in our ability to dream up odours — especially those that whet the appetite — may play a role in food cravings.

Previous research has shown that food cravings occur more often in obese individuals.

Researchers theorised having a vivid imagination when it comes to smell may intensify desire for food by conjuring stronger thoughts of aromas.

People are known to vary greatly in their ability to imagine smells of all kinds.

In the study, participants with a higher body mass index (BMI) reported a greater ability to imagine both food and non-food odours vividly.

Lead scientist Dr Barkha Patel, from Yale School of Medicine in the US, said: “These findings highlight the need for a more individualistic approach in identifying factors that may increase risk for weight gain.”

The research was presented at the Society for Ingestive Behaviour’s annual meeting in Denver, US.