Appetite | Psychology Today Singapore

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en-SG" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#" itemscope="" itemtype="https://schema.org/FAQPage"> <head> <title>Appetite | Psychology Today Singapore</title> <meta charset="utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html" /> <script>window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"":"Psychology Today","entityLangcode":"en","page_type":"node","drupal_node_type":"reference","drupal_node_nid":"53652","drupal_node_title":"Appetite","userUid":0,"event":"drupal_node_view","ContentWeb":"Basics"});</script> <meta name="description" content="If only nourishment were a simple process: Get hungry, eat, get full, stop eating. In reality, an array of biochemicals sending signals between the brain and the body control both hunger and appetite, and the difference between the two is complex." /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/appetite" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Psychology Today" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/appetite" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Appetite" /> <meta property="og:description" content="If only nourishment were a simple process: Get hungry, eat, get full, stop eating. In reality, an array of biochemicals sending signals between the brain and the body control both hunger and appetite, and the difference between the two is complex." /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-10/2024-11.png.jpg?itok=MK2t-Nce" /> <meta property="fb:app_id" content="220580041311284" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0, maximum-scale=1.0, user-scalable=0" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge,chrome=1" /> <meta http-equiv="x-dns-prefetch-control" content="on" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#191C1F" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#F2F2F2" media="(prefers-color-scheme: light)" /> <meta name="alexaVerifyID" content="ruuD3Gzrr-EaY185APFbxF69Va4" /> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="G-wasBQCXXJoehIaVW5BsO9VYKt4oqmWGo155wSSakQ" /> <meta name="y_key" content="0f29d521db0a2863" /> <meta name="msvalidate.01" content="9AD6650A37790044983CFB6B27D77607" /> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-capable" content="yes" /> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-title" content="Psych Today" /> <meta name="robots" content="index,follow" /> <script type="application/ld+json">{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "dateCreated": "2009-03-17T15:36:35-0400", "dateModified": "2024-07-16T17:48:44-0400", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/appetite", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/appetite", "name": "Appetite", "alternateName": [ "Hunger", "Satiety" ], "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Appetite" }, "mainEntity": { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "inDefinedTermSet": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics", "name": "Appetite", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/appetite" }, "mainContentOfPage": { "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": null, "text": "If only nourishment were a simple process: Get hungry, eat, get full, stop eating. In reality, an array of biochemicals sending signals between the brain and the body control both hunger and appetite, and the difference between the two is complex.\r\n\r\nHunger denotes a physical need for food; appetite is a desire for food鈥攁nd it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. Appetite can be influenced by physical conditions such as blood sugar levels, hormones, and exercise. It can also be driven by mood and emotions. Stress, loneliness, and boredom can trigger eating and drive an individual to the choice of fatty, sugary, or salty foods instead of healthier, more nutritious options.\r\n\r\nEmotional eating can also override signals of fullness, which can lead to overeating and result in weight problems if the behavior becomes routine. No one should ignore the body鈥檚 cravings, but it is wise to be mindful about what may be driving a desire for food.\r\n" }, "relatedLink": [ "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/eating-disorders", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/diet", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/ketogenic-diet", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/hormones", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/self-control", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/conditions/binge-eating-disorder-compulsive-overeating", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/conditions/obesity" ], "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Psychology Today", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com", "logo": "https://cdn.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/psychology-today-logo-blue-AMP-left-cropped_0.png", "publishingPrinciples": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/docs/editorial-process" } } ] }</script><link rel="preconnect" href="//cdn.psychologytoday.com" crossorigin /> <link rel="dns-prefetch" 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Counselling (City or Postcode)" aria-label="Search input text"> <button type="submit" name="Submit" value="Search" title="" class="td_fat_subheader_submit" aria-label="Search button"></button> <div class="td_fat_subheader__underline"></div> </div> </form> <div class="td_fat_subheader__verified"> <p><img width="18" height="18" loading="lazy" alt="" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/theme-assets/icons/icon-check-circle-gray.svg"/> Verified by <span class="font-weight-semi-bold">Psychology Today</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </header> <div class="outer-layout-container"> <main class="layout-content layout-container" > <div class="layout-content-full"> <div> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-container--grid layout-container--has-left-rail layout-container--has-right-rail retain-ltr-area-order"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div> <div id="block-pt-content" class="block">       <article data-history-node-id="53652" role="article" class="basics-full"> <div class="content-header d-flex reference-header"> <div class="content-header--image"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_75x75/public/2021-02/shutterstock_622381814.jpg?itok=17PngoLM" width="75" height="75" alt="" title=" RossHelen/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> </div> <div class="content-header--text"> <h1 class="reference__title section-title">Appetite</h1> <p class="content-header--synonyms text-teaser-byline">Hunger, Satiety</p> <p class="reference__review-info fine-print"> <a href="/sg/docs/editorial-process" class="reference__review-info-link"> <span class="reference__review-info-icon"></span> <span class="reference__review-info-text">Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff</span> </a> </p> </div> </div> <div> <div class="reference__body"> <div class="field-name-body"> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>If only nourishment were a simple process: Get hungry, eat, get full, stop eating. In reality, an array of biochemicals sending signals between the brain and the body control both hunger and appetite, and the difference between the two is complex.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Hunger denotes a physical need for food; appetite is a desire for food—and it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. Appetite can be influenced by physical conditions such as blood sugar levels, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/hormones" title="Psychology Today looks at hormones" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">hormones</a>, and exercise. It can also be driven by mood and emotions. <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/stress" title="Psychology Today looks at Stress" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">Stress</a>, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/loneliness" title="Psychology Today looks at loneliness" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">loneliness</a>, and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/boredom" title="Psychology Today looks at boredom" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">boredom</a> can trigger eating and drive an individual to the choice of fatty, sugary, or salty foods instead of healthier, more nutritious options.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Emotional eating can also override signals of fullness, which can lead to overeating and result in weight problems if the behavior becomes routine. No one should ignore the body’s cravings, but it is <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/wisdom" title="Psychology Today looks at wise" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">wise</a> to be <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/mindfulness" title="Psychology Today looks at mindful" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">mindful</a> about what may be driving a desire for food.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> <div class="table-of-contents border-top"> <h4 class="table-of-contents--title">Contents</h4> <ul> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#what-creates-appetite"> What Creates Appetite? </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#appetite-loss"> Appetite Loss </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#overeating-and-emotional-eating"> Overeating and Emotional Eating </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="reference__sections"> <div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="what-creates-appetite" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> What Creates Appetite? </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2021-02/shutterstock_401699038.jpg?itok=LM6dVl7K" width="180" height="180" alt="" title="Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>It may seem like the stomach is the arbiter of hunger, but the brain is calling the shots. It is important to remember that humans evolved under conditions of food scarcity, and that such scarcity prevailed for most of human history.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Maintaining a body weight that allows not just for everyday functioning but for reproduction of the species, then, has not been left to chance: Many <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/hormones" title="Psychology Today looks at hormones" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">hormones</a> and neurochemicals help regulate appetite and influence weight. Researchers believe the hormone ghrelin plays a central role in stimulating hunger. Ghrelin is produced in the stomach, and an empty stomach prompts the hormone to be released into the bloodstream and travel to the brain, where it activates nerve cells that increase appetite. Once eating begins, the stomach expands, curbing the release of ghrelin and diminishing a person's appetite.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Which factors contribute to appetite? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>People are driven to eat for <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/everybody-is-stupid-except-you/201411/hunger-comes-your-mind-not-just-your-stomach">many reasons besides hunger.</a> Social cues can subtly raise appetite, because people tend to eat more during a meal with friends or family than during a meal by themselves. Cultural norms, such as finishing what’s on the plate, and sensory cues, such as the smell of warm chocolate cake can also influence appetite and the amount of food people consume.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Does sleep influence appetite and weight? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/the-healthy-journey/201906/three-ways-your-sleep-habits-may-cause-weight-gain">Sleep habits can influence the hormones that control appetite, potentially leading to weight gain.</a> Levels of the hormone ghrelin increase with poor sleep, producing greater feelings of hunger. And the hormone leptin decreases, which requires more food for a person to feel full. Additionally, sleep disruptions can alter how food is metabolized, and lead to less exercise and general movement the next day.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What leads appetite to increase? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>A sudden desire to eat more could be due to physical conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, Grave’s disease, premenstrual syndrome, and side effects of some medications. In terms of mental health, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/stress" title="Psychology Today looks at stress" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">stress</a>, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/anxiety" title="Psychology Today looks at anxiety" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">anxiety</a>, and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/depression" title="Psychology Today looks at depression" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">depression</a> can lead to different eating patterns including increased appetite.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--4 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How has evolution affected appetite? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>For most of human evolutionary history, calories were scarce and uncertain. So even today, we want to store as much energy as possible. That <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/articles/200809/neanderthink-outsize-appetite-courtesy-evolution">mindset hinders appetite</a> in several ways. Our instincts tell us to keep eating well beyond when we are sated. Worse, the foods we crave—calorie-dense fats and sugars—were once rare and valued as a bulwark against starvation; now they're plentiful and harmful in excess. And we don't crave plants, precisely because they were more abundant in our past.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pt-ad pt-ad--300x250 d-block d-none d-md-block d-lg-none block" id="block-ad-subpage-300x250-programmatically-rendered"> <div class="pt-ad--container pt-ad-show-text"> <div class="pt-ad--text"> <span>article continues after advertisement</span> </div> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9" class="pt-ad--content"> <script type="text/javascript"> if (window.googletag && googletag.apiReady) { googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9'); }); } </script> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="appetite-loss" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> Appetite Loss </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2021-02/shutterstock_151886987.jpg?itok=EOA_HEQT" width="180" height="180" alt="" title="Lolostock/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Although people may experience natural fluctuations in their appetite from time to time, sudden or severe appetite loss can be a harbinger of physical and mental health challenges. Addressing and treating the underlying condition is key to regaining a healthy appetite.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Which mental health conditions are linked to appetite loss? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Diminished appetite may be indicative of stress, anxiety, depression, or <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/grief" title="Psychology Today looks at grief" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">grief</a>. In these situations, distress can become all-consuming, eliminating the desire to eat and preventing such basic tasks as preparing a meal. Physical manifestations of stress can also contribute to appetite loss; for example, nausea and headaches can interfere with the cues that direct appetite. <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/the-worlds-within-our-minds/201606/3-ways-depression-is-connected-food">Depression can both fuel and be fueled by food</a> as well.</p> <p>When people don’t eat due to concerns around weight and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/body-image" title="Psychology Today looks at body image" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">body image</a>, it may be due to an <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/eating-disorders" title="Psychology Today looks at eating disorder" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">eating disorder</a> rather than appetite loss. (For more, see <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/eating-disorders">Eating Disorders.</a>)</p> <p>Appetite loss can also be a side effect of medications for mental health conditions, such as <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/adhd" title="Psychology Today looks at Adderall" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">Adderall</a> or Ritalin for ADHD and Prozac for depression.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Is appetite loss a sign of depression? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>It can be, yes. One of the symptoms of depression is a consistent decrease in appetite or significant weight loss when not <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/diet" title="Psychology Today looks at dieting" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">dieting</a>. People who are depressed often lose interest and pleasure in eating, similar to the absence of <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/motivation" title="Psychology Today looks at motivation" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">motivation</a> overall. Additionally, some believe that the condition may blunt physiological taste sensitivity, another pathway for <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/bad-appetite/201112/sadness-depression-and-appetite">appetite loss in depression.</a> (However, the opposite relationship can also occur—significant weight gain can be a symptom of depression.)</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Which physical conditions can result in appetite loss? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>A cold, flu, or stomach bug</p> <p>• Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Crohn's disease</p> <p>• Diabetes</p> <p>• Hypothyroidism</p> <p>• Anemia</p> <p>• Aging</p> <p>• <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/pregnancy" title="Psychology Today looks at Pregnancy" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">Pregnancy</a></p> <p>• Cancer</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--4 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Why do people lose their appetite when they鈥檙e sick? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Illnesses can strip people of the desire to eat, because immune cells release proteins called <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/the-truth-about-exercise-addiction/201605/why-we-lose-our-appetites-when-we-get-sick">cytokines that suppress appetite</a> and encourage rest. The body can then marshall all of its resources to fight off the infection.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="overeating-and-emotional-eating" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> Overeating and Emotional Eating </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2021-02/shutterstock_1366181552.jpg?itok=sDiHhYF4" width="180" height="180" alt="" title="YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Emotions can have a powerful influence on our food choices. Consuming food for the purpose of regulating emotions, rather than to satisfy hunger, is called </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/evidence-based-living/202005/what-weve-learned-about-emotional-eating"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>emotional eating or stress eating.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> It can be evoked by stress, depression, sadness, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/shame" title="Psychology Today looks at shame" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">shame</a>, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/anger" title="Psychology Today looks at anger" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">anger</a>, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/loneliness" title="Psychology Today looks at loneliness" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">loneliness</a>, and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/boredom" title="Psychology Today looks at boredom" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">boredom</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Many people struggle with emotional eating at some point, but research suggests that therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/therapy" title="Psychology Today looks at Therapy" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">Therapy</a>, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/cognitive-behavioral-therapy" title="Psychology Today looks at Cognitive Behavioral" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">Cognitive Behavioral</a> Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy can help people overcome patterns of emotional eating.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Why do I stress eat? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/finding-new-home/201901/why-we-engage-in-emotional-eating">Stress levels are central to emotional eating</a>. Other components of motivation and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/self-control" title="Psychology Today looks at self-regulation" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">self-regulation</a> may be involved as well, including restrained eating (restricting and monitoring food intake, which can lead to constant thoughts of food), impulsivity (not considering the consequences of unhealthy food consumption), reward sensitivity (how responsive one is to the mood-lifting properties of comfort food), and cognitive reappraisal (how one evaluates an <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/emotions" title="Psychology Today looks at emotion" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">emotion</a>-inducing situation).</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How do I stop emotional eating? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Developing coping skills to <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/finding-new-home/201901/why-we-engage-in-emotional-eating">manage the stress that induces emotional eating</a> is key to changing the habit. That can be accomplished by learning skills around <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/time-management" title="Psychology Today looks at time management" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">time management</a>, problem solving, conflict resolution, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/mindfulness" title="Psychology Today looks at mindfulness" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">mindfulness</a>, and cognitive behavioral therapy. People can also take action by anticipating situations that might lead to challenging food choices, such as by not going grocery shopping when they’re hungry and or buying foods they know will be hard to resist, for example.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Can someone be addicted to food? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Compulsive overeating is called <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/conditions/binge-eating-disorder-compulsive-overeating">Binge-Eating Disorder.</a> Binges involve eating an abnormally large amount of food in a contained time period, accompanied by feeling a lack of control over eating during the binge, according to the <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/dsm" title="Psychology Today looks at DSM-5" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">DSM-5</a>. Binges may involve eating abnormally fast, eating until uncomfortably full, and feelings of shame and distress. Binges tend to occur once a week for at least three months to receive a diagnosis.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-75ffe7070dea1477afe5ac1f8d8ab5710ffc8c04cf28e72c8e6bfedc8550db2f"> <section class="basics--essential-reads"> <div class="h2 page-section-header">Essential Reads</div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5027419"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/the-leading-edge/202411/why-is-losing-weight-so-difficult"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/field_blog_entry_images/2024-11/Obesity.jpg?itok=TAmHQlb0" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Towfiqu barbhuiya/Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/the-leading-edge/202411/why-is-losing-weight-so-difficult" title="Why Is Losing Weight So Difficult? "> Why Is Losing Weight So Difficult? </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Losing weight is difficult, but keeping it off can be harder. Have you ever wondered why? Memory in fat cells may contribute to this yo-yo effect. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5011163"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/invisible-bruises/202309/the-link-between-emotional-eating-and-early-trauma"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2023-09/sea-2593344_1280.jpg?itok=WIgRF9ni" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Image by StockSnap from Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/invisible-bruises/202309/the-link-between-emotional-eating-and-early-trauma" title="The Link between Emotional Eating and Early Trauma"> The Link between Emotional Eating and Early Trauma </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Using food to cope with negative emotions is common in those who experience trauma in childhood. Showing compassion for yourself and your body can help break the cycle </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5015826"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/brain-activity/202401/why-do-i-feel-hangry"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-02/shutterstock_754070890.jpg?itok=Z-DSDSXU" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="The Num Phanu/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/brain-activity/202401/why-do-i-feel-hangry" title="Why People Get "Hangry""> Why People Get "Hangry" </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> "Hanger" is a common phenomenon. Its brain origins reveal just how crucial the physical body is for emotions and mental health. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5011000"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/food-body-love/202309/eating-well-is-more-than-the-food-you-put-on-your-fork"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2023-09/eating-well-community.jpg?itok=3EOlnF6L" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Zach Reiner/Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/food-body-love/202309/eating-well-is-more-than-the-food-you-put-on-your-fork" title="Eating Well Is More Than the Food You Put on Your Fork"> Eating Well Is More Than the Food You Put on Your Fork </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Here are 5 wishes for my clients when it comes to their relationships with food. </div> </div> </article> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-16475886eed74f690b5ccca15443ce853e37e59615a6fe53be339201466b8ee8 layout-container--grid--content-main-additional basics--recent-posts"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027695"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/practical-mindfulness/202411/the-mindful-eating-hack-you-wont-find-in-a-monastery"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/krakenimages-unsplash.jpg?itok=72ISk34f" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Krakenimages/Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/practical-mindfulness/202411/the-mindful-eating-hack-you-wont-find-in-a-monastery" rel="bookmark">The Mindful Eating Hack You Won't Find in a Monastery</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Holiday overeating can produce feelings of self-loathing and guilt. But if you know how to use the power of your imagination, those meals can be joyful and stress-free. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Holiday overeating can produce feelings of self-loathing and guilt. But if you know how to use the power of your imagination, those meals can be joyful and stress-free. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027528"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/health-and-human-nature/202411/the-challenge-of-holiday-and-social-eating"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/Eating.jpg?itok=d5Zyl4qB" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="vivienviv0 | pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/health-and-human-nature/202411/the-challenge-of-holiday-and-social-eating" rel="bookmark">The Challenge of Holiday and Social Eating</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> How we handle eating in social situations is not just a matter of following advice. Here鈥檚 what can really make a difference. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> How we handle eating in social situations is not just a matter of following advice. Here鈥檚 what can really make a difference. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5026447"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/practical-mindfulness/202410/stop-emotional-and-stress-eating-in-just-three-bites"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/bethany-newman-unsplash.jpg?h=c858d047&itok=Tcx3ohXT" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Bethany Newman/Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/practical-mindfulness/202410/stop-emotional-and-stress-eating-in-just-three-bites" rel="bookmark">Stop Emotional and Stress Eating in Just Three Bites</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Did you know that over 30 percent of stressed-out persons resort to overeating to manage their feelings? Instead of eating three donuts when you're stressed, how about three bites? </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Did you know that over 30 percent of stressed-out persons resort to overeating to manage their feelings? Instead of eating three donuts when you're stressed, how about three bites? </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5025937"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/its-not-just-baby-fat/202410/are-the-snack-foods-youre-eating-making-you-depressed"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/DSC_0034.jpg?itok=x5kPGIYz" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Edward Abramson" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/its-not-just-baby-fat/202410/are-the-snack-foods-youre-eating-making-you-depressed" rel="bookmark">Are the Snack Foods You鈥檙e Eating Making You Depressed?</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Eating ultra-processed snack foods might make depression worse. There are better ways to lift your mood without eating. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Eating ultra-processed snack foods might make depression worse. There are better ways to lift your mood without eating. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5024773"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/the-human-beast/202409/fast-food-is-fatal-for-french-youth"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/Fast%20food%20is%20fatal%20for%20French%20youth%2C%201.jpg?itok=zgbsoI86" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/the-human-beast/202409/fast-food-is-fatal-for-french-youth" rel="bookmark">Fast Food Is Fatal for French Youth</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Sedentary youngsters are vulnerable to fast-food as the French are discovering, </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Sedentary youngsters are vulnerable to fast-food as the French are discovering, </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5024709"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/understanding-health-behaviors/202409/semaglutide-and-empty-promises-of-change"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/sara-bakhshi-MfnX4XtGnvU-unsplash.jpg?itok=yJCnkEy2" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Sara Bakhshi / Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/understanding-health-behaviors/202409/semaglutide-and-empty-promises-of-change" rel="bookmark">Semaglutide and Empty Promises of Change</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Could the promise of a wonder drug stop us from tackling the behavioral and environmental drivers of the obesity crisis? </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Could the promise of a wonder drug stop us from tackling the behavioral and environmental drivers of the obesity crisis? </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5023978"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/practical-mindfulness/202408/do-this-one-thing-to-have-more-control-over-food"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-08/tamas-pap-unsplash2.jpg?itok=kejH-HoH" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Tamas-Pap/Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/practical-mindfulness/202408/do-this-one-thing-to-have-more-control-over-food" rel="bookmark">Do This One Thing to Have More Control Over Food</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Emotional eating might help in the moment--but doesn't make you feel better for very long. There's a better way to manage eating and get in touch with your hunger. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Emotional eating might help in the moment--but doesn't make you feel better for very long. There's a better way to manage eating and get in touch with your hunger. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5023403"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/why-bad-looks-good/202408/love-made-to-order-how-food-flavor-fuels-attraction"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-08/woman-7050555_1280.jpg?itok=-8oUWZwl" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="袧邪写懈薪楔 / Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/why-bad-looks-good/202408/love-made-to-order-how-food-flavor-fuels-attraction" rel="bookmark">Love Made to Order: How Food Flavor Fuels Attraction</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Looking for the perfect date food? Learn how flavor impacts attraction.<br /> </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Looking for the perfect date food? Learn how flavor impacts attraction.<br /> </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5022201"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/addiction-outlook/202407/food-for-thought-exploring-cravings-and-compulsions"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-07/pexels-goumbik-1352245.jpg?itok=XLkv9Kvf" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Lukas/Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/addiction-outlook/202407/food-for-thought-exploring-cravings-and-compulsions" rel="bookmark">Food for Thought: Exploring Cravings and Compulsions</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Sugar plus ultra-processed foods can act similarly to drugs in changing brains and behavior. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Sugar plus ultra-processed foods can act similarly to drugs in changing brains and behavior. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5020301"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/the-road-to-recovery/202405/binge-eating-disorder-struggling-in-silence"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-05/Screenshot%202024-05-22%20at%205.59.33%E2%80%AFPM.png.jpg?itok=kxtbjSIU" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Engin Akyurt/Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/the-road-to-recovery/202405/binge-eating-disorder-struggling-in-silence" rel="bookmark">Binge Eating Disorder: Struggling in Silence</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> 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<div class="h3 magazine-cover-feature__headline"> The Perfectionism Trap </div> </a> <div class="magazine-cover-feature__highlight"><p> When we fall prey to perfectionism, we think we鈥檙e honorably aspiring to be our very best, but often we鈥檙e really just setting ourselves up for failure, as perfection is impossible and its pursuit inevitably backfires. </p></div> </div> </div> </div> <a href="https://subscribe.psychologytoday.com" class="btn btn-info btn-md-cta" title="Subscribe to Psychology Today Magazine">Subscribe</a> <a href="/sg/magazine/archive" class="btn btn-secondary btn-md-cta" title="Psychology Today Issue Archive">Issue Archive</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="sidebar" data-sidebar-location="today"> <div class="sidebar__header"> <a class="sidebar-back-arrow" data-sidebar-parent="main">Back</a> <div class="sidebar-title">Today</div> </div> <div class="views-element-container block" id="block-views-block-news-today-menu-block-1-2"> <div class="h3 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