Common causes of emotional eating include stress, negative emotions, and learned behaviors. Stress often leads to increased appetite due to the release of cortisol, which can trigger cravings for unhealthy foods [5][6]. Negative emotions such as sadness, loneliness, or boredom can prompt individuals to seek comfort in food, bypassing the need to confront those feelings [1][2].

Additionally, childhood experiences can influence emotional eating; for instance, receiving food as a reward or comfort may create lasting associations between food and emotional relief [3][6]. Social influences and dietary restrictions can also contribute, as these factors may create cravings and lead to overeating when under stress or during social gatherings [4][5].

Emotional Eating: Causes and Tips to Stop

What are common causes of emotional eating?

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