Study Reveals Which Children Are Most at Risk of Emotional Eating

Children who experience frequent, intense mood swings may be more likely to develop emotional eating habits as they grow older, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and published in the journal Child Development.

The researchers analyzed data from a long-term study in Trondheim, Norway, which followed 878 children from the age of 6 through 18, a period of approximately 12 years.

Their goal was to investigate whether emotional instability and difficulties regulating emotions contribute to the development of emotional eating during childhood and adolescence, as several leading psychological theories suggest.

The study was led by Francesca Frisi, a doctoral researcher in NTNU's Department of Psychology, alongside senior researchers at the university.

What Is Emotional Eating, and Why Does It Matter?

Emotional eating, sometimes called "comfort eating," occurs when a person turns to food to cope with feelings rather than to satisfy physical hunger.

For example, a child might reach for a snack after a difficult day at school, not because they're hungry, but because eating helps them feel better.

While this behavior may seem harmless, researchers warn that when it becomes a frequent way of managing emotions, it can have consequences for long-term health.

"Children who frequently experience strong and shifting emotions may be at higher risk of developing emotional eating," explained Frisi, the study's lead researcher.

She noted that emotional eating may begin as an ordinary behavior, but "high levels of it are linked to an increased risk of obesity and more serious eating problems later in life."

Which Children Are Most at Risk?

The researchers found that children who experienced greater emotional instability and more frequent negative emotions were more likely to develop emotional eating habits.

Interestingly, the findings showed no significant differences between boys and girls. The researchers also found no significant differences in the associations across the childhood and adolescent ages examined.

However, the results only partially supported existing theories suggesting that intense emotions and difficulties with emotional regulation are the primary causes of emotional eating.

While emotional instability was associated with an increased risk, the findings suggest that the relationship between emotions and eating behavior may be more complex than previously assumed.

The researchers emphasized the importance of understanding what drives emotional eating so that preventive measures can begin early in life.

Bjorklund, an associate professor at NTNU, suggested that paying closer attention to children who experience particularly strong or unpredictable emotions could be a "smart tactic" for preventing emotional eating.

Why Parents Should Be Careful About Using Food as Comfort

The researchers also highlighted an everyday parenting habit that may unintentionally encourage emotional eating: offering food to soothe a distressed child.

Professor Silje Steinsbekk explained that an earlier study by the research group found an increased risk of overeating when parents regularly used food to comfort their children.

For example, a parent might offer a piece of candy to calm a child who is crying or upset. Although the intention is to provide reassurance, repeatedly connecting food with emotional relief may encourage children to turn to eating whenever they experience difficult feelings.

"It may be especially important to avoid this habit among parents who have a very emotional child," Steinsbekk concluded.

The findings do not mean that children should never enjoy treats or that occasional comfort eating is necessarily harmful. Rather, they highlight the importance of helping children develop other ways to cope with difficult emotions.

By recognizing emotional patterns early and being mindful of how food is used in response to distress, parents may be able to help their children build healthier relationships with both their feelings and their eating habits.