Many people feel the urge to eat when under stress. Although eating may temporarily relieve and boost mood, it often negatively affects health. Let’s explore the connection between stress and appetite.
A study from Reed College in Oregon, which analyzed 5.12 million people, found that stress leads individuals to consume more food, particularly unhealthy options. These foods, typically high in carbohydrates and fats—often sweet, salty, or greasy—contribute to weight gain and harm overall health. Hormones play a significant role in these cravings. Short-term stress triggers the release of epinephrine, which suppresses appetite, while long-term stress increases cortisol levels, stimulating hunger. Cortisol helps the body conserve energy during stress, leading to greater food intake.
Eating under stress improves mood by releasing “happy hormones” like serotonin and dopamine, though the effect is temporary. Research from Princeton University in New Jersey found that sugar affects the brain similarly to drugs. Likewise, a study from the University of Bordeaux in France concluded that sugar can be as addictive as drugs. However, the happiness derived from sugary foods is fleeting. A study from University College London suggests that consuming high-glycemic foods increases the risk of mood disorders. Similarly, research from the University of Barcelona in Spain shows that regularly consuming high levels of saturated fats and sugar raises the risk of panic disorders.
Some studies indicate that eating sugar during stressful situations does not significantly improve mood and may instead lead to fatigue and mental confusion. Additionally, a survey of 2,000 Americans found that people feel guilty about eating an average of five times per week, with 72% reporting guilt within 10 minutes of finishing a meal.
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