What are the risks associated with emotional eating?

Emotional eating can lead to an increased risk of overweight and obesity, and consequently, chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. It can also be associated with the development of mental health problems, including depressive and anxious symptoms. In childhood and adolescence, excess weight resulting from emotional eating can persist into adulthood, affecting quality of life.

An additional risk is that emotional eating, not being recognized as an official medical diagnosis, can go undetected. This makes it difficult to identify and treat related mental health problems. Many people who experience it may feel shame or guilt, which contributes to low self-esteem and potential distress within their families.