Some people eat when they’re stressed, or so they claim. But we asked an expert if stress eating is even a real thing.
Dr Preeti Nagar, dietitian at Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences (NIIMS) College and Hospital, says stress eating may happen to any individual and usually occurs when people turn to food for comfort or solace in response to stress, anxiety, or other emotional triggers.
She adds that stress eating is often linked to emotional eating, where food is used as a coping mechanism for dealing with difficult emotions.
Also Read: Stress Symptoms: Physical Effects of Stress On The Body
Why Does Stress Eating Occur?
According to Dr Nagar, stress releases various chemicals or hormones in our body that may lead to stress eating.
“High-cortisol and insulin in the body, along with ghrelin, may make you feel hungry,” she explains, adding that about 27% of adults say that they eat to manage stress, according to a Harvard Health report.
A German online survey published in the BMC Public Health looked at people's eating habits during stressful situations. Researchers found that chocolate and coffee were the most popular comfort foods, while people preferred fruits and tea as healthier alternatives.
Nearly half of the participants, identified as stress-eaters, consumed more food than usual when feeling stressed, suggesting that there are preferred unhealthy and healthy options for stress eaters, and future studies could explore ways to encourage healthier choices during stressful times.
Factors That Contribute To Stress Eating
Some of the factors that can lead to stress eating include:
- Emotional triggers: Stress, anxiety, sadness, or boredom can trigger the urge to eat for comfort.
- Hormonal Changes: Stress can lead to hormonal changes that affect appetite and cravings.
- Social Influence: Peer pressure or social situations can also contribute to stress eating.
- Past Experiences: Previous associations between food and comfort can influence stress-eating habits.
How Does Stress Eating Impact The Body
Stress eating can affect our bodies in various ways. This include:
- Weight gain and related health issues
- Nutritional imbalances
- Emotional effects in the form of guilt, shame, and further stress
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), adults who indulge in stress eating are also likely to experience symptoms such as feeling sluggish or lazy and feeling bad about their bodies.
Also Read: Understanding Stress: Identifying Your Unique Stress Language for Effective Stress Management
How To Manage Stress Eating?
To manage stress eating, Dr Nagar shares a few strategies. These include:
- Recognising emotional triggers that lead to stress eating.
- Exploring non-food-related ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
- Paying attention to your body's hunger cues and eating mindfully rather than impulsively.
- Talking to a therapist or counsellor to address underlying emotional issues contributing to stress eating.
- Stocking up on nutritious foods and creating a supportive environment for healthy eating habits.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own health provider if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]