Why Binge Eating On Sugary And Fatty Foods Can Trigger Feelings Of Depression

During the lockdown period, a lot of people turned to binge eating processed foods to make them feel better. While doing so can make you less anxious and depressed temporarily, it can actually trigger more feelings of despair. Health experts say that binge eating creates a nasty cycle of overeating and depression.

Stuck At Home

Social distancing and isolation have become the norm during the coronavirus pandemic. The problem with this is getting stuck at home can cause plenty of concerns and worries, not only because of the virus but also due to financial fears. In addition, many felt bored and frustrated by the sudden disruption in their regular routines.

During this time, some may binge eat on tasty foods to cope with their unhappy state. In many instances, however, such foods are full of sugar and fats, which may cause more health issues in the long run. Chief among these problems is the triggering of another set of depressive feelings, which could lead to more binge eating. Understanding why some turn to binge eating to deal with stress can help you opt for better choices and avoid the mood changes linked to it.

Stress Can Lead To Binge Eating

Your body’s cortisol levels increase with the onset of stress, says Jennifer Lentzke, MS, CEDRD, a triathlete, and registered dietitian. Cortisol triggers a series of events that can change the brain’s chemistry, particularly as regards to chemicals that regulate motivation, sleep, mood, and appetite.

To counterweigh this hormone imbalance, the body causes you to crave extremely palatable or hi