Emotional eating

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Overview of emotional eating



Emotional eating[edit | edit source]

A pizza, often associated with comfort food.

Emotional eating refers to the consumption of food—usually "comfort food"—in response to feelings rather than hunger. This behavior is often triggered by emotions such as stress, sadness, boredom, or loneliness. Emotional eating can lead to overeating, weight gain, and can be a barrier to healthy eating habits.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Emotional eating is often linked to the body's response to stress. When a person experiences stress, the body releases cortisol, a hormone that can increase appetite and cravings for high-fat, high-sugar foods. Additionally, emotional eating can be a learned behavior, where individuals use food as a coping mechanism to deal with negative emotions.

Effects[edit | edit source]

The effects of emotional eating can be both physical and psychological. Physically, it can lead to weight gain and associated health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Psychologically, it can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and a negative self-image, which can perpetuate the cycle of emotional eating.

Management[edit | edit source]

Managing emotional eating involves identifying triggers and developing healthier coping mechanisms. Strategies include:

  • Keeping a food diary to track eating patterns and emotions.
  • Practicing mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress.
  • Engaging in regular physical activity to improve mood and reduce stress.
  • Seeking support from a therapist or support group.

Related pages[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD