Global investigation of emotional eating, hunger, and fast food addiction

Abstract

Emotional eating, hunger, and fast food addiction are global concerns extensively studied in recent years due to their implications on public health and well-being. This review aims to comprehensively understand the interconnections among these variables by synthesizing findings from worldwide studies. Emotional eating, characterized by consuming food in response to emotions, has been linked to obesity, poor dietary choices, and increased vulnerability to food addiction. Both physiological and perceived hunger significantly drive individuals towards highly palatable and energy-dense fast foods. Fast food addiction, an emerging concept in food addiction, is characterized by a persistent craving for and compulsive consumption of fast foods, often accompanied by negative health consequences. This review systematically examines global research and highlights the complex interplay between emotional eating, hunger, and fast food addiction. The findings underscore the importance of considering these factors in public health interventions and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to mitigate the impact of these phenomena on obesity rates and overall health. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the need for further research to develop tailored prevention and treatment strategies that address the unique challenges of emotional eating, hunger, and fast food addiction in various cultural and socioeconomic contexts.