The sudden urge to have a bowel movement when shopping may be because of some sort of sensory stimulus. (Freepik)
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Gastroenterologist Dr Salhab explains the Mariko Aoki phenomenon, noting how sensory experiences in stores can lead to an unexpected urge to use the restroom.
Do you ever get a sudden urge to poop while you are out shopping? Well, you are not alone. In an Instagram post shared on June 24, Florida-based gastroenterologist Dr Joseph Salhab explained the bizarre science behind this. “Do you poop while shopping? Here’s why this happens - doctor explains,” he wrote.
Dr Salhab stitched a video of another woman in which she revealed that she hadn't ‘pooped in a month’. Therefore, to bring about some bowel movement, she went shopping at a department store. Explaining the science behind this, the gastroenterologist said, “This is actually quite a common phenomenon where people enter certain stores like TJ Maxx, Home Depot, Walmart, and Target, and all of a sudden, they have a sudden urge to have a bowel movement.”
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What is this phenomenon called?
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According to Dr Salhab, it is actually coined the Mariko Aoki phenomenon, which describes it as “the sudden urge to have a bowel movement when people enter bookstores such as Barnes & Noble”.
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According to Dr Salhab, it is actually coined the Mariko Aoki phenomenon, which describes it as “the sudden urge to have a bowel movement when people enter bookstores such as Barnes & Noble”.
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The gastroenterologist pointed out that it's hard to say exactly why this happens. According to him, it may be because of some sort of sensory stimuli, like the lights, the smell of coffee, or fresh books, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
“On the other hand, the excitement or adrenaline rush of shopping and looking at price tags may also have a stimulatory effect on people, causing them to feel the need to have a bowel movement,” he added.
Lastly, Dr Salhab revealed that some individuals visit stores every single day because that's the only way they can use a restroom. “It's wild to think about, but clearly, there's something there.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.
