Understanding Compulsive Overeating and Emotional Eating

Compulsive or emotional eating is the tendency to eat in response to difficult feelings such as anxiety, stress or sadness, rather than physical hunger. Research suggests that anxiety may reduce food intake in some people but increase it in others, especially those living with obesity. Studies have found that overweight individuals may be more likely to eat when distressed and may experience negative emotions more often or intensely. However, this pattern does not necessarily apply to regular meals. One study involving female college students found that the difference was more noticeable with snacks eaten between meals. Eating meals with other people may offer emotional support or make people less likely to eat beyond their usual portions, while snacking often happens alone.

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