The car breaks down, you can’t stop worrying about the upcoming licensing exam and your hips appear to be spreading from east to west as if it’s their Manifest Destiny.

Does all this anxiety make you want to eat?

If so, you may have a problem with emotional eating. People with this condition tend to eat when they are stressed or in another state of emotional turmoil. Anger, boredom, depression, loneliness and plain, old-fashioned sadness all can trigger bouts of emotional eating.

If you have a tendency toward emotional eating, you may find yourself reaching for so-called “comfort foods” during times of turmoil. These tend to be sweet confections or salty snacks loaded with calories and fat. Consistently eating too much of these foods can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

Why It Happens

Experts say that people eat during moments of emotional turmoil to help them cope with their feelings. You may find yourself suddenly eating excessively during and after a major emotional crisis, such as a divorce or job loss. Or, you may find that life’s day-to-day stresses like commuting to work are enough to get you binging on cupcakes.

Scientists are not sure why certain people find eating to be soothing during times of emotional upheaval. Some evidence indicates that the body releases mood-elevating chemicals in response to some foods, such as chocolate. Eating may also act as a simple distraction from the emotions that are bubbling up inside you.