Almost 60% of people who are obese contend with the relentless chatter of "food noise" that prods them to overeat and compromise their health, according to a Weight Watchers and STOP Obesity Alliance study titled "Beyond Hunger: Understanding Food Noise."

Some even report that at times, it's almost impossible to clear their mind and focus on other things — such as work or family.

Researchers aren't sure why this happens, but suggest it's caused in part by eating ultra-processed foods that impact the reward pathway in the brain and increase the urge for such foods.

Medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes can also flip the hunger switch to be constantly "on." And emotional distress can fuel the desire for comfort foods.

Whatever the cause, the widespread use of GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide (brand names Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) as well as tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) has made doctors and the general public aware of how common "food noise" is. That's because many people taking those medications report that their internal food dialogue has quieted down.

That may happen because the medications target brain centers that affect appetite, and they may stimulate the hypothalamus, which helps control hunger and fullness.

You can also tamp down on food noise by getting 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise daily, managing stress with meditation, doing emotionally rewarding activities with your posse, embracing a purpose, practicing mindful eating, and enjoying coffee and green or fenugreek tea.