Stress is thought to influence human eating behavior. Stress appears to alter overall food intake in two ways, resulting in under- or overeating, which may be influenced by stressor severity. Chronic life stress seems to be associated with a greater preference for energy and nutrient-dense foods, those that are high in sugar and fat.

The relationship between stress and over eating has been examined in animal and human studies. Longitudinal studies showed that chronic life stress may be linked to weight gain, with a greater effect that has been seen in men. Stress-induced eating may be one factor contributing to the development of obesity. Read the rest of this entry →

Overeating is one of the most difficult habits to break. Overeating means consuming more or other than planned. Most of us are overeating for a hundred different reasons. We are eating due to stress, irritation and frustration. It may be worry or overwork. To overcome the negative impact overeating has on our bodies, we must take positive and immediate steps. Read the rest of this entry →

Your body gets its nutrients from food you eat, but at times, you go overboard with eating habits and it can result in gaining weight. One issue with over eating is emotional eating.

The problem of emotional eating may have various causes, but all begins in the mind. There may be various other factors contributing towards it, but stress takes its toll on your life. When your defenses are compromised your health takes a hit and so do your emotions.

Since, everyone has good days and bad days, dealing with the bad ones brings emotional eating into play. People who turn to food for comfort find a coping mechanism that won’t judge them, hurt them or tell them “no.” To complicate the issue, eating pleasurable foods can stimulate the release of endorphins just like exercise. So, after you eat, you feel better. For emotional eaters, food relieves stress. But, in fact, this is just liking hiding behind the food instead of seeking solutions to the problems.

According to Wikipedia, Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric illness that describes an eating disorder, characterized by extreme low body weight and body image distortion, with an obsessive fear of gaining weight. Here’re few health risks associated with Anorexia Nervosa:

• Lowered blood pressure and pulse
• Brittle hair and nails
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Swollen joints
• Low temperature
• Loss of hair on the head
• Depression
• Lanugo – the growth of soft furry hair on the face, back and arms
• Slow or stunted growth
• Menstrual periods stop