Have you ever eaten when you weren't hungry? Well, you're not alone.

Recent research suggests about half of adults turn to food in times of boredom, stress and loneliness. This is clearly an unhealthy way to approach eating. Instead of feeling satisfied and better about themselves, these people often feel worse.

A British survey of 2,000 people found that 47 percent of adolescents, ages 16-24, and 40 percent of those 35-44 had eaten because they were bored. A quarter of people ages 45-54 said they have eaten because they were stressed. Others ate after arguing with their spouse or partner.

Of those who admitted to using food as a crutch, one in four felt guilty after eating because of feelings other than hunger. Also, 25 percent said they thought happiness comes from being thinner.

The Eating Disorders Association called the findings "worrying." Experts fear this reflects the images society accepts as "right," making too-thin models and movie stars seem like ideal specimens. It also links negative emotions to food once again.

Researchers noticed a significant rise in young female patients, ages 17-30, presenting with both eating disorders and addictions. Such patients often are slightly underweight. They tend to binge and vomit, followed by periods of not eating at all.

Eating disorder experts said this cycle comes from constant mental struggles with emotions, as well as the physical battle with weight. Believe it or not, these symptoms can be masked and go unnoticed. Disorder victims usually get deep into the addicting cycle before help is sought or administered.

While teen-agers and young women have been susceptible to eating disorders for years, there is a new class of disorder victim -- the high-achieving, mid-life woman. Typically in her mid-30s to mid-50s, this patient seems to be organized and successful in most facets of her life. Many of these women suffer from either bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder, which serves as a dysfunctional method of coping with emotions. Problematic feelings include, but are not limited to:

• Low self-esteem
• Insecurity
• Stress
• Loneliness

Experts have long linked eating disorders to emotions and not food. The recent study in the U.K. proves that the theory applies to many eaters, even if a full-blown disorder has not developed. It is an easy path to start down but difficult to quit.

BBC News August 23, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

This is another sad example that tells me many people "live to eat" rather than "eat to live." Choosing the right foods, in the right quantities, will help you naturally lose weight and keep your body functioning at its most optimal level. Sound hard? There is no secret potion needed. The key is finding out your metabolic type. If you haven't already taken the free nutritional typing Test I would encourage you to do so as it will go a long way towards helping you understand the foods you were designed to eat. Food is an important part of life. The need for it has been around longer than the ability to express emotion. Although different, both play a large role in our lives today. Unfortunately, for many people, food is too closely tied to emotions, and it can quickly turn from that which nourishes and provides sustenance to that which causes harm. The key to losing weight, looking younger and having energy -- in other words what many might call a happy, healthy life -- is to take control of the emotional challenges that may be sabotaging your food choices. One of the most effective weapons you can use to feel better about your body image and begin to change your perception of it is EFT. Simply loving yourself can curb negative feelings and making negative choices. You can read more about EFT in my free online manual. It is always important to find ways to keep your emotions separate from your diet. Here are a few things you could try: Express your emotions in other ways (for example, art or music) Eat with friends and family when you feel vulnerable Keep a journal To anyone experiencing any type of physical or emotional challenge, whether sourcing from health and diet, relationships, money, career, personal goals or any other aspect of life, I highly recommend you read another book, Feelings Buried Alive Never Die... For some time, I have urged my patients to read this book. Through the years, I have seen it help all types of people -- men and women, young and old -- with various problems. The author, Karol K. Truman, explains feelings: what they are, how we experience them, how they are integral to physical health, and, most importantly, how to work with and overcome those that are pulling us down. Related Articles: The #1 Way to Succeed on a Healthy Diet: Address Your Emotional Issues Learn Why "Feelings Buried Alive Never Die..." Targeting Emotions Can Curb Obesity Overweight? Unrealistic Goal for Your Shape Change May Sabotage You More Than 50% of College Women Have Experienced Eating Disorders Depression and Anger Affect the Immune System Accepting Yourself Unconditionally