When is Emotional Eating actually Binge Eating?

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.