Effects of emotions on eating behavior

Abstract

Emotional eating is a multidimensional behavior in which individuals alter their food intake in response to negative or positive emotional states. It can manifest as overeating, eating without hunger, or consuming specific foods excessively. Traditionally, emotional eating has been associated with negative emotions such as stress, anger, sadness, and depression. These emotional states often lead individuals to eat more. However, recent experimental studies have demonstrated that positive emotions can also trigger emotional eating behavior. People may be inclined to consume sweet or sugary foods when they feel happy or are in a pleasant mood. Emotional eating is not limited to obese individuals; it can also be observed in those with normal weight, individuals on a diet, or those who avoid eating due to fear of weight gain. Therefore, emotional eating should be considered as a complex behavior that affects people across different age and weight groups and has psychological, emotional, and social dimensions. This study aims to clarify the fundamental concepts of emotional eating, identify at-risk groups, and particularly explore the effects of positive emotions on eating behavior. This literature-based evaluation indicates that emotional eating is influenced by both negative and positive emotional states. Further research on this topic will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying emotional eating.