Does wearing masks in supermarkets make people shop healthier?
Masks in supermarkets might have a strange psychological effect and trick you into eating healthier


By Matt Evans
Wearing masks in supermarkets and shops has become commonplace all over the world. We know there's science behind masks: Thanks to a recent experiment's cutting-edge laser-mapping technology, we know masks can seriously limit the spread of COVID-19.
However, there's an aspect of healthiness around masks we never knew about. According to one recent study, the masks you wear could be impacting the food choices you make while you shop.
Masks are said to induce a type of behaviour called "enclothed cognition", according to chartered psychologist Dr Paul Marsden. Enclothed cognition is an idea that people will automatically behave according to the way they dress.
For example, if somebody puts on a lab coat, they might find themselves feeling and acting in a more observant manner, because they look the part of the scientist. Another aspect of enclothed cognition is, when faced with an overwhelming desire to not workout, the subject is more likely to go and do that workout if they've already put on their gym clothes.
In the case of masks, people required to make a conscious choice to be healthier will also be likely to make another, such as buying more fresh fruit and vegetables and less of the processed stuff.
Of course, this also correlates with elevated levels of health anxiety. Thanks to initiatives such as the British government's drive to get the population healthier, we know obesity and related illnesses such as type-2 diabetes and cardiac problems increase the risk of death if the individual catches COVID-19.
Getting fitter and healthier means having an improved immune system and less of those harmful biomarkers, helping you fight off those infections. Mask-wearing people watch out for their health in multiple ways, including areas like diet in addition to hygiene.
Masks are rapidly evolving from the sky-blue surgical masks we're used to, with new styles of mask sporting patterns and becoming a fashion statement. High quality technical masks from brands like Under Armour and ASICS are also on shelves, the latter being a mask you can even reportedly drink through.
Liked this?
-
-
Best exercises for weight loss: Top workouts to slim down & tone up
Fitness Stuck in a fitness rut? These are the best exercises for weight loss, which will burn calories and improve your fitness
By Leon Poultney •
-
Best online personal trainer and fitness apps: Get instruction with pros at home
Buying guide The best online personal trainer and fitness apps for every level of exercise, from beginners to former gym rats
By Leon Poultney •
-
Gut health: What to eat to prevent anxiety and depression, according to science
Nutrition Gut health plays a key role in how good – or bad – we feel. Here's what to eat to curtail anxiety and depression symptoms
By Matt Evans •
-
Nutrition: How your morning coffee can help boost metabolism and lose weight
Nutrition It's true! A morning coffee can help your weight loss efforts by boosting metabolism – just hold the two sugars
By Matt Evans •
-
How many calories should I eat a day? Calculating weight loss and maintenance targets
Nutrition Follow this trusted equation to calculate how many calories you should consume a day for weight loss and maintenance
By Lucy Gornall •
-
What is biohacking - and how can it help boost health and wellbeing?
Health We examine three ways in which biohacking can help you take control of your wellbeing
By Sarah Finley •
-
Air Fryer deal: Eat healthy and save 1/3 on this top Bella Pro Series model at Best Buy
Deal This top air fryer deal on the Bella Pro Series can save you $$ on an 8-quart air fryer at Best Buy
By Matt Evans •
-
‘I tried a three-day juice cleanse and this is what happened’
Nutrition Lockdown 3.0 provided the perfect opportunity for Lydia Swinscoe to explore the realities of a juice cleanse
By Lydia Swinscoe •
-
How to lose weight on your stomach: Go down a jeans size with these tips
Weight loss How to lose weight on your stomach – a favourite question people ask PTs. We've got their secrets here
By Hannah Verdier •
-
Weight loss: This new treatment could be a "gamechanger" for fighting obesity
Weight loss Clinical trials of a new pharmaceutical weight loss drug have lead some patients to drop 20% of their body weight
By Matt Evans •