Emotional eating happens when we eat in response to emotional cues rather than physical hunger. Hormonal imbalances can significantly influence these tendencies towards emotional eating. There are several hormones that can play a role in emotional eating. These include:
- Cortisol
- Insulin
- Ghrelin
- Leptin
- Serotonin
- Estrogen and progesterone
Cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone, is released in response to stress. Elevated cortisol levels can increase appetite and cravings for high-fat, high-sugar foods, contributing to emotional eating.
Insulin is the hormone involved in regulating our blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance, a condition where the body doesn’t respond well to insulin, can lead to unstable blood sugar levels, causing cravings and overeating.
Ghrelin stimulates our appetite and is often referred to as the “hunger hormone”. Higher levels of ghrelin can increase feelings of hunger and lead to overeating.
Leptin, on the other hand, tells the brain when the body has enough energy stored, which helps to curb our appetite, making it the “satiety hormone”. Leptin resistance can prevent this signal, leading to overeating.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects our mood and appetite. Low serotonin levels are linked to depression and cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods.
Estrogen and Progesterone are sex hormones which fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, affecting mood and appetite. Many women experience increased cravings and emotional eating before their menstrual periods due to these hormonal changes.
Listen to my interview with Brad Kirsten from Radio Cape Pulpit on 8 August 2024 to learn more. Listen to my next interview on Thursday at 7.45am.