emotional eating

American  

[ih-moh-shuh-nl ee-ting] / ɪˈmoʊ ʃə nl ˈi tɪŋ /

noun

1. eating, often excessively, as a response to stress, boredom, unhappiness, or other emotional condition, rather than as a response to physical hunger.

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

---

Etymology

Origin of emotional eating

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

emotional eating

However, by the 12 month mark, emotional eating and restrained eating had largely returned to their original levels.

From Science Daily ● May 7, 2026

“This type of obsessive food-related thinking can override hunger cues and lead to patterns of overeating, undereating or emotional eating — especially for people who are overweight,” Tufts said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 30, 2025

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

From Salon ● Sep. 24, 2024

Sixty-six per cent of women nightshift workers experienced emotional eating and another study suggests they are around 1.5 times more likely to be overweight or obese compared to women working day shifts.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 10, 2024

I think it’s fair to say that emotional eating is generally demonized.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 13, 2023