Emotional Eating and Obesity 2023
Food is a requirement for human survival. The consumption of our favorite foods can have a calming effect on our minds. For many of us, it becomes a coping mechanism for life’s stressful situations. Emotional eating is the tendency to excess, typically selecting palatable and energy-dense foods, in response to negative emotions.
Several factors, including difficult life situations, tension, loneliness, and boredom, can contribute to this eating pattern. Unconsciously, one turns to sustenance for comfort. Numerous studies have demonstrated that emotional feeding is frequently associated with weight gain.
Here’s how emotional appetite and weight gain are related
People may enjoy snacking on a container of chips, a bar of chocolate, other junk foods, etc., in order to alleviate their negative emotions. Typically, these foods are high in calories, sugar, and fat. They unquestionably contribute to weight gain and can be hazardous over time.
A qualitative study on emotional eating and weight regulation and compensatory behaviors published in the Journal of Eating Disorders reveals that overweight individuals have fewer effective coping mechanisms in the face of negative emotions, causing them to overeat more frequently.
They are trapped in an endless cycle of binge eating and continue to acquire weight. In addition, they struggle with decreased self-monitoring and inadequate social support. Food provides transient comfort, but it is not a long-term solution.
A Cambridge University Press study on adult emotional eating and obesity-related to insufficient sleep, emotional eating, and weight increase.
You Might Gain Weight Due to Emotional Eating
The study indicates that disrupted or shortened sleep durations are a contributor to increased negative emotions and stress. In addition, it was stated that individuals who sleep less tend to consume less food during the main meals and snack throughout the day.
They also tend to consume energy-dense and oily foods. Consequently, they consume an unbalanced diet, which causes them to gain excess weight.
If you are prone to emotional eating, the good news is that you can take steps to regain control over your eating habits and get back on track with your weight-loss goals.
Additionally, the qualitative research indicates that many emotional eaters have a propensity to mitigate through exercise. This compensatory behavior may result in the individual losing those additional calories.
