The role emotions play in eating is very important, as they can significantly alter our eating habits. One such alteration is known as "emotional eating," in which food and mealtimes are used to satisfy needs unrelated to nutrition and not to address a physiological need for hunger. For example, food might be used to soothe anxiety or distress that one doesn't know how to manage in a more appropriate and healthy way. Consequently, the underlying problem with "emotional eating" can be difficulty in managing one's own emotions.