We’ve all been there—reaching for that sweet snack or comfort food when stressed. It might seem like a quick fix to boost your mood, but stress-induced eating often leads to unwanted weight gain and doesn’t address the root of the problem. While it feels good at the moment, eating to cope with stress can negatively impact your health and long-term emotional well-being.
Research confirms that stress affects appetite. A 2022 study from Reed College, involving over 5 million participants, revealed that people under stress tend to eat more, particularly unhealthy foods.
Unhealthy foods are typically high in carbohydrates and fats—sweet, salty, and greasy- that harm health and contribute to weight gain. Hormones play a crucial role in stress-related cravings. Short-term stress triggers epinephrine, suppressing appetite, while prolonged stress releases cortisol, increasing hunger.
Why does eating improve mood during stressful times? Sweets, often our go-to under stress, stimulate the release of serotonin and dopamine—hormones linked to happiness—offering immediate relief.
This response can become addictive. A 2008 Princeton University study found that sugar consumption produces brain changes similar to those caused by drugs. Likewise, a 2013 study from the University of Bordeaux suggested sugar has addictive effects comparable to those of drugs.
Another problem is that food-induced happiness is short-lived. While sugary foods may offer a quick mood boost, long-term consumption often leads to unhappiness. A 2017 study from University College London found that high-sugar diets increased the risk of mood disorders. Similarly, a 2019 study from the University of Barcelona showed that regular intake of saturated fats and sugar raised the risk of panic attacks.
Some studies also suggest that consuming sugar during stressful times doesn’t significantly improve mood but instead increases fatigue and mental fog.
A survey of 2,000 Americans revealed that people feel guilty about eating an average of five times per week. Notably, 72% of respondents reported feeling guilty within just 10 minutes of eating.
Addressing this issue, Korean medicine practitioner Kim Hee Jun advises through his YouTube channel, “Foods eaten during happy times have a much more positive impact on health than those consumed during stress. It’s better to manage stress through other means. I highly recommend developing hobbies or exercise routines you enjoy. Physical activity, in particular, releases endorphins, improving mood and effectively reducing stress.”
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