Stress Eating

Definition

Stress eating is a behavior where individuals consume food as a way to cope with stress and emotional distress, often resulting in overeating or consuming unhealthy foods.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Stress eating, also known as emotional eating, refers to the consumption of food in response to feelings rather than hunger. This behavior is often triggered by stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional states, leading people to crave high-calorie, high-sugar, and high-fat comfort foods. The physiological response to stress involves the release of cortisol, which can increase appetite and reinforce the desire to eat as a coping mechanism.

Benefits

• Although not necessarily beneficial, recognizing stress eating patterns can lead to better management of emotional triggers and healthier coping strategies.
• Awareness and understanding of stress eating can encourage the development of a balanced diet and improved mental health strategies.

Examples

• Reaching for snacks like chips, chocolate, or ice cream during stressful situations even when not hungry.
• Eating disproportionately large meals or consuming excess calories after a stressful day at work.

Additional Information

• Effects: Stress eating can lead to weight gain, poor nutritional intake, and can potentially contribute to the development of eating disorders if not addressed.

Related Terms

• Emotional Eating

References

• Stress and Eating Behaviors
• The Role of Stress in Dysregulating Appetite and Contributions to Obesity