What type of eating pattern involves ignoring physiological cues such as hunger?

Emotional eating refers to the practice of consuming food in response to emotional states rather than physiological hunger cues. Individuals who engage in emotional eating often use food as a coping mechanism to deal with feelings such as stress, sadness, or anxiety, leading them to ignore the body's natural signals that indicate when to eat or stop eating. This pattern can result in overeating or eating unhealthy foods to provide temporary relief from emotional distress, rather than nourishing the body based on actual hunger levels.

By focusing on emotional responses rather than physiological needs, individuals may develop an unbalanced relationship with food, which can affect both their physical health and emotional well-being. Recognizing when emotions drive eating behavior is a crucial step in managing food intake effectively and fostering a healthier approach to nutrition.