Emotional Eating and Its Association with Body Weight and Stress

Abstract

Emotional eating refers to the consumption of food in response to emotions such as stress, anxiety, boredom, or sadness rather than physical hunger. This study examines the association between emotional eating, body weight, and perceived stress among adults. Emotional eating behavior is assessed through eating frequency during stressful situations, preference for high-calorie foods, uncontrolled snacking, and changes in appetite related to mood. Body weight is evaluated using body mass index, while stress is assessed through self-reported psychological and lifestyle factors. The findings suggest that higher levels of emotional eating are associated with increased body weight and greater perceived stress. Frequent consumption of energy-dense foods during emotional distress may contribute to excessive calorie intake and difficulty maintaining a healthy weight. The study highlights the importance of stress management, mindful eating, nutritional awareness, and healthy coping strategies in reducing emotional eating and supporting better weight management and psychological well-being.