Emma Murphy MIACP - Psychotherapist and Emotional/Binge Eating Specialist

What is stress eating, and why does it happen?

• Long term stress triggers stress eating.
• The stress hormone - cortisol - triggers cravings for high sugar/high fat food.
• These foods temporarily relieve stress, but not for long – and the cycle starts again.
• Long term stress also leads to poor sleep, poor concentration, low motivation to exercise and sometimes increased alcohol intake.
• Low mood, high anxiety, weight gain and/or gut issues can also be present.