POSITIVE emotions such as excitement and celebration can trigger overeating and may derail weight loss, experts say.

It’s well known that negative emotions like stress and sadness can push people to turn to food for comfort, but new research by the University of Leeds now indicates that feelings of happiness can lead to binge eating too.

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Both positive and negative emotions can trigger overeating, a study has observed Credit: Getty

The research has been carried out by the University of Leeds and will be presented at the European Congress on Obesity Credit: Getty

Most previous studies have only focused on overeating in relation to negative emotions, so this research sheds new light on how positive feelings impact people’s appetite.

The research will be presented at this week’s European Congress on Obesity (ECO) and represents one of the “largest real-world investigations” into emotional eating and weight management.

Dr Gemma Traviss-Turner, lead researcher of the study and Associate Professor of Behavioural Medicine at the University of Leeds, said: “This is one of the first large-scale studies to explore both positive and negative emotional eating.

“It highlights the importance of understanding and addressing emotional eating and treating it as a real issue in weight management.”

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The lead researcher of the study said their findings highlight the importance of understanding emotional eating Credit: Getty

The study is one of the first large-scale studies to explore both positive and negative emotional eating Credit: Alamy

Researchers used data from 3,834 Slimming World members, grouping participants based on total weight loss over their first 12 weeks.

The groups were – those losing less than five per cent of their start weight, those losing between five and 10 per cent and those losing more than 10 per cent.

Researchers found those in the group who’d lost the most weight reported the lowest levels of both negative and positive emotional eating.

They also reported fewer food cravings, better craving control and better overall mental wellbeing.

Participants who lost the most weight shared the four key techniques they use to help manage emotional eating:

Distraction techniques, such as physical activity, hobbies or social interaction

Keeping healthy foods available and healthy food swaps

Planning and preparation including meal planning and shopping strategies

Mindset exercises, such as positive affirmations and keeping visual reminders of their achievements or goals

Dr Traviss-Turner said: “Many people have struggled with emotional eating for years or even decades and have experienced significant guilt and shame.

“Externally, this has been misconstrued as lack of discipline or greediness and people have suffered in silence.”

The NHS says that binge eating disorder – a serious mental health condition – involves regularly eating a lot of food over a short period of time until you’re uncomfortably full.

People eat without feeling like they’re in control of what they’re doing.

While the exact causes of binge eating disorder are not known, you are more likely to have an eating disorder if you or your family has a history of eating disorders, depression or alcohol or drug misuse, the NHS says.

This is also the case if you have anxiety, low self-esteem, an obsessive personality or have experienced trauma.

The NHS advises people to see a GP if they think they have a binge eating disorder.

Dr Traviss-Turner said that this study provides a “deeper insight” into the emotional triggers to overeating.

People who took part in the study and lost the most weight said they had four key techniques that helped them manage emotional eating Credit: Getty

Find out more on cravings

Dr Crystal Wyllie, a GP and leading clinician at ZAVA Online Doctor, tells Jattvibe Health: “Cravings can reveal a lot about what your body or mind needs. 
“They are driven by a mix of biological and environmental factors, such as hormonal changes in pregnancy or menstruation, nutrient deficiencies, shifts in blood sugar, and social settings.  
“Emotions also play a big role. Stress, anxiety or boredom can lead to cravings as certain foods provide a temporary sense of pleasure and relief.
“On top of that, the dopamine released when you eat these foods can reinforce your cravings over time.”
But how can you tell the difference?   
“If you’re constantly reaching for sweets, cakes or biscuits, for example, it’s likely your body is seeking a serotonin boost,” Dr Wyllie says. 
“Sugary treats can offer a quick mood lift, which is why we often crave them when we’re feeling low or bored.
“Similarly, cravings for savoury snacks like crisps, nuts or cheese can indicate your body needs more sodium or protein. 
“This is particularly common if you’ve just been to the gym or you’re dehydrated. 
“Hormonal changes during your period can also trigger cravings for energy-dense foods like chocolate, pasta or fried food, as your body works harder and requires extra fuel.
“Recognising these patterns can help you address your cravings more healthily, and help you choose foods that satisfy your body’s needs without overindulging.
“It’s important that cravings don’t lead to overeating, especially with calorie-rich foods (like those that are sugary or fatty) as this can lead to health issues such as obesity. 
“All food groups should be consumed in moderation, bearing in mind your total calorie intake per day.”

Dr Jemma Donovan, Slimming World Research Manager, said the study shows that “lasting weight loss happens when emotional wellbeing is supported just as much as food choices and activity levels”.

She added: “While helping people to eat more healthily and become more active is essential, it isn’t the whole story.”