In a world where the heart often rules over the head, you don't need a doctorate in psychology to realise that emotions are part of what we are.
That's not necessarily a bad thing. Whether it's cheering Ireland to sporting glory, sharing happy times with family or friends, or being moved by a standout musical performance, emotions often provide a foundation of positive feeling that will create treasured memories for years to come.
It's when emotions have a less positive aspect that problems can arise, not least as a result of the way we react and deal with negative feelings they generate. Never is this so true as when emotions affect they way we eat - or "emotional eating" as the phenomenon is generally known.
Most experts agreed that the term refers to people using food as a way to deal with their feelings rather than to satisfy their hunger, which in extreme cases can lead to compulsive overeating and food addiction.
It all sounds quite daunting but the truth is that emotional eating is something that most of us do from time to time, whether asking for another bowl of dessert in spite of feeling full or demolishing a pizza in front of the telly on a Friday night.
Don't worry if this sounds familiar. We wouldn't be human if we didn't enjoy the occasional blowout. It's when your feelings start to dictate your day-to-day diet that you need to consider whether your emotional eating is getting out hand.
It's important to be aware that while emotional eating can frequently be triggered by a bad experience, it can also be caused by a positive event. So while eating 'comfort food' in response to stress is a classic example of emotional eating, a celebratory dinner that leads excessive eating and drinking is another.
Whatever the trigger, the critical point is that if unchallenged, emotional eating can be a serious problem, resulting in an unhealthy diet and lifestyle leading to excessive weight or obesity, and all the associated health risks these bring.
If you think you are affected by emotional eating then take heart from the fact that you have taken the first step towards tackling the challenge by recognising it is an issue for you. Having done that, you can then start thinking about ways to break the cycle.
For example, consider how to reward, compensate yourself in ways that do not involve food. Keep a food diary to help you identify your eating triggers. Make it a habit to always "take five" before eating by taking a few moments to consider whether you are eating to satisfy genuine hunger, or simply to feed your emotional needs.
Even if you recognise that emotional eating is at the root of your weight problems, you may still need help to deal with it. Start by talking to your GP who will be able to advise you. Also consider contacting a reputable weight management clinic, where an expert consultant or adviser can discuss how to identify and tackle the triggers at the root of your emotional eating as part of a healthy weight management programme.
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