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.

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Etymology

Origin of emotional eating

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

“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

One of the dangers that can occur in response to emotional eating is the temptation to diet, which can lead to disordered eating, and eating disorder behaviors.

From Salon • Sep. 24, 2024

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

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