Eating in combat: a survey of U.S. Marines

Abstract

A survey of U.S. Marines was conducted in order to investigate the effect of combat, a highly stressful situation, on eating behavior. The results indicate that Marines reduced their food intake, especially during their first combat experience. The principle reason cited for reduced consumption during combat was the lack of time to eat and prepare food. However, fear was important in accounting for reduced consumption during the marines' initial exposure to combat. The results are consistent with other laboratory and survey findings that stress leads to a reduction in food intake.