emotional eating

[ ih-moh-shuh-nl ee-ting ]

noun

1. eating, often excessively, as a response to stress, boredom, unhappiness, or other emotional condition, rather than as a response to physical hunger: Compare comfort eating, stress eating ( def ).

   Prolonged loneliness can lead to a number of unhealthy habits, including emotional eating.

Word History and Origins

Origin of emotional eating¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

In a study of more than 1,500 adolescents, 34% engaged in emotional eating while sad and 40% did so while anxious.

From Salon

For some people, emotional eating was simply a habit formed earlier in life that has persisted over time.

From Salon

But other factors might also contribute to the likelihood of emotional eating.

From Salon

Often we label emotions as good or bad, and this can result in fear, avoidance, and unhelpful coping strategies such as emotional eating.

From Salon

There are many therapeutic interventions that work to improve aspects associated with emotional eating.

From Salon