ID 
EN 
Have you ever found yourself craving sweet snacks or greasy food when you’re overwhelmed or feeling down? This is what’s known as stress eating, or emotional eating.
This phenomenon isn’t about physical hunger, but rather a response to stress that can impact your health and weight, often contributing to belly fat. So, how does the simple act of eating become a reaction to stress?
- The Biological Response
When you’re stressed, your body releases the hormone cortisol. Cortisol can ramp up your appetite, especially for high-sugar and high-fat foods, as your body seeks a quick source of energy to deal with a perceived “threat.”
- A Coping Mechanism
Food can provide a temporary feeling of comfort and pleasure. The brain starts to associate certain foods with a sense of reward, leading us to seek them out when we need a comforting distraction.
- An Emotional Diversion
Eating can become a way to distract yourself from problems or emotions you don’t want to confront.
These three factors often cause people to lose control of their eating habits. If left unchecked, this can lead to a cycle of stress eating.
According to one of LIGHThouse’s psychologists, Tara de Thouars, in an interview, “In reality, food isn’t the cure for stress. We often use food simply to escape the negative emotions we’re feeling, but it never actually solves the underlying problem.”
So, LIGHTbuddy, do you recognize these signs in yourself? Perhaps it’s the right time to get support from a LIGHThouse Clinic psychologist to help you manage your stress eating habits effectively. Ready to take the next step? Book a psychology consultation at our LIGHThouse Kebayoran clinic today!
