Food, particularly if it is normally restricted, has the ability to affect the dopaminergic system in the brain, leading to a rise in dopamine levels and a feeling of pleasure. This effect can lead to increased cravings and potentially contribute to feelings of addiction….but is it actually addiction?

Binge eating is a pattern of eating where a person consumes unusually large amounts of food in a short period of time, often accompanied by a feeling of being out of control during the episode. It’s different from emotional eating, which typically involves using food to cope with feelings like stress, boredom, or sadness—but doesn’t always involve eating to the point of discomfort or distress.

Binge eating episodes can feel chaotic, overwhelming, and isolating. They can also have a number of physical and emotional effects, some of which may show up right away, while others build up over time.

We all eat emotionally from time to time.
Food holds far more meaning than just fuel—it’s a source of comfort, connection, celebration, and even commiseration. From the moment we’re born, we learn this association. As babies, we’re soothed with milk, forming an early link between food and emotional comfort.

As we grow, the connection deepens. We celebrate birthdays with cake and fun-shaped jellies (showing my age here!). Food is deeply woven into our experiences. It’s part of being human.

But sometimes, what starts as emotional eating can become more frequent, more intense, and harder to control.

If you’ve ever felt unsure whether your eating patterns are emotionally driven or something deeper—like binge eating—you’re not alone. Read on to understand the differences between the two.