Happiness May Trigger Food Cravings Too, Scientists Uncover New Findings on Emotional Eating

People who experience fewer emotional eating urges and food cravings may achieve greater weight loss, according to a new study. Researchers found that individuals who lost more weight reported better control over cravings, improved mood and fewer urges to eat in response to both positive and negative emotions.

Published in the journal Appetite, the study examined the relationship between emotional eating, food cravings and weight loss among adults participating in a commercial weight-management programme.

Researchers analysed data from 3,834 members of Slimming World, a weight-management programme operating mainly in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Participants had an average age of 57.2 years, and 92% were women.

The study assessed emotional eating, food cravings, mood and depressive symptoms through online questionnaires. These findings were compared with weight measurements recorded over the preceding 12 weeks.

Participants were divided into three groups according to their weight loss: less than 5%, between 5% and 9.99%, and more than 10%.

The findings revealed that participants in the highest weight-loss group lost an average of 17.1 kilograms, compared with 10.4 kilograms in the moderate group and 4.1 kilograms in the lowest group.

Those who achieved greater weight loss reported fewer emotional eating urges, better control over food cravings and lower cravings for sweet and savoury foods. They also reported better mood and fewer depressive symptoms.

Researchers also examined strategies participants considered helpful for managing emotional eating.

Distraction through hobbies, physical activity or social interaction was the most frequently reported strategy, mentioned by 31.7% of participants. Healthier food alternatives were suggested by 24.2%, while 21.9% recommended meal planning and establishing routines.

Social support was another important factor, with 38.3% highlighting encouragement, belonging and shared experiences.

However, the observational study could not establish whether reduced emotional eating caused greater weight loss or resulted from it.

The findings suggest that addressing emotional eating and food cravings alongside dietary changes and physical activity may help strengthen weight-management programmes.

REFERENCE: Orwin, M., Traviss-Turner, G. D., West, R., & Hill, A. J. (2027). Negative and positive emotional eating and food cravings related to weight loss during weight management. Appetite. 229. DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2026.108802