A recent report reveals that emotional eating is a widespread habit across the UK. According to the survey by Superdrug Online Doctor, 26% of people admit to reaching for comfort food when feeling down. Even more, 35% confess to snacking out of boredom.
The study highlights that nearly three-quarters (73%) identify as emotional eaters, consuming on average 28,000 calories a month from comfort food alone. Despite this, almost nine in ten (87%) admit to eating when they are neither hungry nor satisfied, often feeling guilty afterwards, a feeling shared by 69% of respondents.
With weight concerns on the rise, it’s no surprise that 78% want to cut back on eating triggered by emotions. This comes at a time when government statistics show that 60% of UK adults are obese or overweight.
The nation’s favourite emotional snacks are classic comfort foods: crisps (48%), chocolate bars (42%) and biscuits (32%) lead the list. Other common picks include bananas (27%), buttered toast (25%), grab bag-sized crisps (24%) and instant noodles (19%).
People tend to indulge in these treats often, with crisps, chocolate and biscuits being consumed around five times a week, while nuts, cheese, sausage rolls and crumpets appear about four times weekly.
Dr Babak Ashrafi from Superdrug Online Doctor notes, “One in four Brits admit to being emotional eaters, and with rising obesity rates, many need to break the cycle of emotional eating. Our Weight Loss Service offers personalised support combining weight loss options, nutrition advice and exercise guidance to help people start their journey.”
Psychologist Dr Becky Spelman adds, “Emotional eating often starts in childhood, where food is linked to comfort or reward. This habit can become automatic, with eating used to improve mood even when there’s no hunger. Recognising this pattern is key to change, which begins with kindness towards yourself and replacing emotional eating with healthier ways to cope.”
The survey also found that 54% have gotten out of bed at night to grab a snack, on average eight times a week. This habit adds to feelings of guilt, reported by 76% of those surveyed.
Most emotional eating happens at home, on the sofa (53%), in bed (17%), at the kitchen table (11%) or standing by the kitchen counter (10%). A smaller number (7%) admit to emotional eating at their work desk.
Perhaps reflecting the emotional comfort food provides, 43% say food is their only real enjoyment in life.
The survey breaks down the typical calorie load from common snacks eaten out of boredom or emotion:
- Standard packet of crisps (30g): 130 calories, 5 times a week, 2,600 calories a month
- Chocolate bar (39g): 205 calories, 5 times a week, 4,100 calories a month
- Two biscuits (e.g., Hobnobs): 140 calories, 5 times a week, 2,800 calories a month
- Banana (medium): 105 calories, 5 times a week, 2,100 calories a month
- Two slices of buttered toast: 222 calories, 5 times a week, 4,440 calories a month
- Grab bag crisps: 231 calories, 4 times a week, 3,696 calories a month
- Apple: 104 calories, 4 times a week, 1,664 calories a month
- Instant noodles: 190 calories, 4 times a week, 3,040 calories a month
- Mixed nuts (30g): 163 calories, 4 times a week, 2,608 calories a month
- Cheddar cheese slice: 104 calories, 4 times a week, 1,664 calories a month
Altogether, emotional eating adds up to nearly 29,000 extra calories a month or more than 340,000 a year.
This report sheds light on the challenge many face in managing their relationship with food. Recognising emotional eating as a common issue is the first step towards healthier habits and wellbeing.
