Emotional eating is frequently characterized as the tendency to (over)indulge in food as a response to emotional conditions. Food and mood are consistently interconnected elements of our lives, and they inevitably impact each other. The health of individuals is closely associated with their dietary habits. Emotions can influence the perception of food consumption. An increase in food intake during emotional and psychological episodes may negatively impact human health. Diet refers to the variety of foods consumed on a daily basis, and it can be influenced by numerous factors, including physiological, environmental, psychological, and social elements. Poor diets, high in refined sugar and processed foods, can lead to blood sugar crashes and inflammation, negatively impacting mood, while a nutrient-rich diet of whole foods supports mental well-being. Emotions serve as immediate reactions from the organism, indicating the level of favorability towards a specific stimulus or situation. Moods, while akin to emotions, are characterized by their heightened intensity and duration. Food serves as a powerful natural reward, and the process of eating is intricate. The enjoyment and fulfillment associated with eating stimulate the release of dopamine (DA), which subsequently activates the brain’s reward and pleasure centers.
Pawar, S., Solunke, J., & Saundadkar, S. (Sat,) studied this question.