Stress-related Eating Research Articles

Lifetime stressor exposure is associated with greater rewarding effects of stress-related eating

Acute stressors tend to shift preferences toward comfort foods, yet they do not ubiquitously increase the amount of food consumed. Moreover, although many individuals eat more under stress, others eat less or show no change. Although the precise mechanisms explaining this variability in stress-related eating are unknown, they may be driven by individual differences in the rewarding effects of comfort eating, which are enhanced by greater lifetime stressor exposure. To investigate this possibility, we examined whether differences in lifetime stressor exposure predicted reductions in negative affect following snacking (i.e., negative reinforcement) and if this effect was specific to stress-related snacking or snacking in general. Participants were 26 women (23 % non-White) between 20 and 45 years old (M = 31), with a mean body mass index of 26, who completed three laboratory visits. Participants completed an assessment of lifetime stressor exposure (i.e., STRAIN) on the first visit and, on two subsequent laboratory visits in counterbalanced order, were given snacks after an acute social stress task (i.e., TSST) or rest period. Greater lifetime stressor exposure was related to greater post-ingestive decreases in negative affect following the acute social stressor but not following the rest period. If stress-related eating is more comforting for women with greater lifetime stressors and contributes to a stronger stress-eating association, then this may inform obesity-related clinical treatments that target behaviors and cognitions related to reward-based learning.

Stress-related eating in pregnancy? An RCT examining links between prenatal stress and food choices

BackgroundDiet quality during pregnancy is important for maternal health and offspring development. However, national dietary recommendations are not always met. A potential barrier for healthy food choices might be the experience of stress. Previous literature in non-pregnant populations suggests a negative effect of acute stress on diet quality. This preregistered study is the first to test whether an acute stressor leads to unhealthy food choices in pregnancy and examine the moderating role of stress, depressive and anxiety complaints in daily life. MethodPregnant women (N = 110, 3rd trimester) completed online self-reported surveys measuring stress, depressive and anxiety complaints in daily life. Hereafter, participants were invited for a laboratory visit, in which they were exposed to the Trier Social Stress Test or a control task. After this manipulation, self-reported and actual food choices and food intake were assessed. At the end of the visit, a hair sample was collected. Throughout the visit, visual analogue scales on negative affect were completed and saliva samples were collected. ResultsThe stress group experienced significantly more psychological stress than the control group during the experimental manipulation. Main regression analyses showed that the acute laboratory stressor did not cause unhealthy food choices in the third trimester of pregnancy. In fact, the stress group chose fewer unhealthy foods and consumed fewer kilocalories compared to the control group. Additionally, the findings point at a moderating role of depressive and stress complaints in daily life on food choices within the control group: higher scores were related to more unhealthy food choices and more kilocalories consumed. DiscussionAs this was the first study to test the effect of an acute stressor on food choices in pregnant women, more research is needed to obtain a better understanding of stress-related eating in pregnancy. This knowledge may inform future interventions to support pregnant women in improving their diet quality.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the diabetic population: relationship with metabolic syndrome and atherogenic index of plasma

Aims: The objective of the current study is to investigate the prevalence of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM). Additionally, this study aims to evaluate the potential association between ADHD and metabolic syndrome (MetS), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and other lipid parameters, considering the different types of DM. Methods: The study comprised 213 adult patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, consisting of 120 females and 93 males. Participants completed the Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS) as a screening tool for symptoms. The study assessed many physiological indicators, including body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose levels, cholesterol levels, high-density lipoprotein levels, low-density lipoprotein levels, triglyceride levels, uric acid levels, and glycated hemoglobin levels. Results: The study yielded a prevalence rate of 10.7% for ADHD among diabetes individuals. The prevalence of ADHD was found to be more common in individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) compared to those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with rates of 15.4% and 9.8% respectively. The study revealed that individuals diagnosed with T2DM who also had MetS, organ involvement, concurrent disorders, and stress-related eating had significantly higher scores on the ASRS/T scale. There was a correlation observed between the ASRS-HI and AIP levels in individuals diagnosed with T2DM. The statistical analysis revealed that ADHD-HI and T scores significantly influenced the severity of MetS. A progressive increase in ASRS/T and ASRS/I scores was observed with the duration of DM. Conclusion: In conclusion, by recognizing and treating accompanying neuropsychiatric conditions such as ADHD symptoms in diabetic patients, individuals may exhibit improved adherence to lifestyle modifications and antidiabetic therapies. This approach potentially reduces the risks of acute and chronic complications, including cardiovascular risk, through the enhanced management of DM.

A paraventricular thalamus to insular cortex glutamatergic projection gates “emotional” stress-induced binge eating in females

It is well-established that stress and negative affect trigger eating disorder symptoms and that the brains of men and women respond to stress in different ways. Indeed, women suffer disproportionately from emotional or stress-related eating, as well as associated eating disorders such as binge eating disorder. Nevertheless, our understanding of the precise neural circuits driving this maladaptive eating behavior, particularly in women, remains limited. We recently established a clinically relevant model of ‘emotional’ stress-induced binge eating whereby only female mice display binge eating in response to an acute “emotional” stressor. Here, we combined neuroanatomic, transgenic, immunohistochemical and pathway-specific chemogenetic approaches to investigate whole brain functional architecture associated with stress-induced binge eating in females, focusing on the role of Vglut2 projections from the paraventricular thalamus (PVTVglut2+) to the medial insular cortex in this behavior. Whole brain activation mapping and hierarchical clustering of Euclidean distances revealed distinct patterns of coactivation unique to stress-induced binge eating. At a pathway-specific level, PVTVglut2+ cells projecting to the medial insular cortex were specifically activated in response to stress-induced binge eating. Subsequent chemogenetic inhibition of this pathway suppressed stress-induced binge eating. We have identified a distinct PVTVglut2+ to insular cortex projection as a key driver of “emotional” stress-induced binge eating in female mice, highlighting a novel circuit underpinning this sex-specific behavior.

Excess after stress-A three-study validation of the salzburg stress drinking scale as a new tool to measure the stress-drinking relationship.

Stress frequently influences a person's propensity to drink alcohol. Inter-individual differences in such stress-related drinking can be assessed through psychometric scales; however, available questionnaires conflate stress- with emotion-related reasons to drink and ignore evidence of decreased alcohol consumption in response to stress. Therefore, we developed a genuine stress-drinking scale (Salzburg Stress Drinking Scale; SSDS), adapted from the Salzburg Stress Eating Scale, and assessed its psychometric properties. In study 1 (n=639), the SSDS was found to have a one-factor structure, excellent internal consistency, and acceptable test-retest reliability. SSDS scores were significantly correlated with other measures assessing emotional drinking, but uncorrelated with general alcohol pathology and other health-relevant consummatory behaviors such as stress-related eating or nicotine consumption. In addition, no significant sex differences arose. In study 2 (n=42) patients with an alcohol use disorder or addiction scored significantly higher on the SSDS compared to healthy controls. In an Ecological Momentary Assessment study 3 (n=67), the SSDS showed partial ecological validity through significant relationships with daily alcohol consumption, but not daily stress-drinking relationships. In sum, the SSDS represents a psychometrically sound tool for the measurement of stress-related drinking and complements a battery of stress-related changes in health-relevant behaviors.

222 Stress and Coping Efforts Among Caregivers of Children with Down Syndrome: Application of The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Stress is amplified in parents of children with Down syndrome (DS). However, little is known about caregivers’use of coping strategies in relation to stress-related eating and their child with DS. The purpose of this study is to explore stressors and coping resources that increase or decrease stress-related eating among caregivers of children with DS. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This descriptive qualitative study sought to understand and describe the lived experiences of caregivers of children with DS. Fifteen caregivers of children, ages 2-6-years with DS, completed an online survey and individual interview. The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping was used to develop the interview guide and to assess related constructs using the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Salzburg Stress Eating Scale (SSES), and a subscale of the Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress Questionnaire (EADES). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded using NVivo 12, and analyzed using deductive thematic analysis based on theoretical constructs and content analysis approaches. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Thirteen of the 15 participants reported moderate to high perceived stress on the PSS. Stressors identified by caregivers included caring for a child with DS, feeding difficulties, physical and mental health, family and social interactions, and finances. Caregivers utilized various interpersonal resources to cope, including family, friends, and social media groups. In the interviews, stress-related eating was revealed as a coping mechanism for 9 caregivers. Also, 13 caregivers reported eating more or eating less when stressed on the SSES and 7 caregivers reported increased emotional eating as measured on the sub-scale of the MEQ. Only two caregivers described using mindfulness strategies throughout the interview. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, caregivers of children with DS report increased perceived stress related to their role as a caregiver of a child with DS, which may be related to changes in caregivers’dietary intake. Dietary interventions developed for these families should include mindful eating and stress management strategies.

Daily stress and eating behaviors in adolescents and young adults: Investigating the role of cortisol reactivity and eating styles

Stress-related eating has been well documented in previous literature. However, there is limited research investigating the role of cortisol reactivity in daily stress-eating associations in samples of adolescents and young adults. 123 participants completed a baseline questionnaire and the Trier Social Stress Test in groups. Four saliva samples were taken at − 10, + 00, + 10 and + 40 min during the stress-induction task. Following this, participants completed an online daily diary each evening for 14 consecutive days to record daily stress and between-meal snack consumption. Multilevel modelling indicated that daily stress was positively associated with daily snack intake, particularly for ego-threatening and work/academic stressors. Emotional and external eating styles were found to moderate the stress-snacking relationship. Cortisol reactivity also moderated stress-eating associations, such that as cortisol reactivity levels increased from lower to higher levels, the impact of stress on eating decreased. The current findings highlight the importance of cortisol reactivity status and eating styles in understanding the complex relationship between daily stress and eating behavior in adolescents and young adults. Future research should continue investigating stress-eating associations in these groups and explore the role of other aspects of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning.

Very Low Food Security Status Is Related to Greater Perceived Stress but Less Stress-Related Eating Among College Students

Upon conclusion of the presentation, the participant will be able to explain the potential determinants of stress-related eating among college students.

Direct Yet Opposite Effects of Stress-related and Mindful Eating on Diet Quality

ObjectiveExamine the relationships among dietary quality, mindful eating, and constructs of the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, women (n = 67) aged 25–50 years, with a body mass index of 25–40 kg/m2 completed 3 days of 24-hour recalls and a survey that included the Perceived Stress Scale, Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress Questionnaire, and the Mindful Eating Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling assessed relationships among all constructs with the dependent variable, the Healthy Eating Index–2015. ResultsMindful Eating Questionnaire (β = 0.60, P = 0.001) and Emotion and Stress-related Eating scores from Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress Questionnaire (β = −0.69, P < 0.001) (r2 = 0.50) were directly associated with Healthy Eating Index–2015, but no indirect effects were identified. Conclusions and ImplicationsOverall dietary quality is associated with greater mindful eating but more emotion and stress-related eating scores among women who were overweight or obese. Future studies could assess model constructs using other diet quality scores and including additional coping mechanisms such as substance use, physical activity, and meditation.

Stress-induced hyperphagia: empirical characterization of stress-overeaters

BackgroundStressful situations can have an impact on an individual’s eating behavior. People vulnerable to the influence of stress tend to change the quantity and quality of their food intake. Variables such as sex and body mass index (BMI) seem to be related to this stress-eating behavior, but it is rather unclear what factors account to the parameters associated with stress-eating behavior. The aim of this survey was to identify further characteristics of adults in Germany related to stress-overeating, focusing on stress perception, coping, eating motives and comfort foods as well as personality types.MethodsThis online survey was performed throughout Germany and comprised a 38-item pre-tested questionnaire. Stress-induced overeating was classified based on the Salzburg Stress Eating Scale (SSES). Moreover, validated questionnaires were used to identify additional characteristics of stress eaters. Participants were recruited using a convenience sampling approach, and data were collected between January and April 2021.ResultsThe overall sample consisted of 1222 participants (female 80.8%, aged 31.5±12.8). 42.1% of participants were identified as stress-overeaters. Among the remaining group, 78.9% stated to eat less, 21.1% to eat equally when stressed. Female participants had a higher mean SSES score compared to male participants. The BMI was positively correlated to SSES, r(1220)=0.28, p>0.005. ‘Agreeableness’ (BigFive) was found to be a negative predictor of stress-overeating. The most pronounced difference in eating motives (The Eating Motivation Survey, TEMS) was found for ‘Affect Regulation’ and ‘Weight Control’.ConclusionsThe results indicate that stress-overeating affects a large proportion of the surveyed population. BMI, personality and eating motives additionally characterize stress-overeaters and may contribute to develop new approaches to address unhealthy stress-related eating patterns.

Mindful Eating is Associated with Higher Healthy Eating Index Scores among Women who are Overweight or Obese

Explain the relationship between mindful eating and Healthy Eating Index Scores. Mindful eating (ME) is defined as intentionally attending to eating experiences and internal body sensations in a non-judgmental manner. Mindful eating interventions have improved stress-related eating, which is associated with increased consumption of highly palatable foods. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between ME and overall dietary quality among adult women who were overweight or obese. Sixty-seven pre-menopausal, women [body mass index (BMI) of 25-40 kg/m2] completed three days of dietary recalls, and an online survey that included the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ), the Emotion- and Stress-Related Eating (ESRE) sub-scale of the Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress Questionnaire, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Higher scores represent more mindful eating, less ESRE, and greater perceived stress. Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI) was computed from three days of dietary intake. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the relationships between HEI scores, MEQ, ESRE, and PSS. Average HEI, MEQ, ESRE, and PSS scores were 53.4 +/- 12.3, 3.2 +/- 0.5, 3.2 +/- 0.9, and 16.9 +/- 6.2, respectively. HEI scores were significantly related to MEQ (β=13.4, t=3.1, p=0.003), ESRE (β= -10.7, t=-3.8, p=<0.001), and PSS (β=-062, t=-2.4, p=0.02). MEQ scores are related to ESRE scores (β= 0.46, t=8.4, p=<0.001). In this sample of women who were overweight or obese, mindful eating practices were associated with better dietary quality. Women who cope with stress through eating may benefit from a mindful eating intervention.

Emotion and Stress-related Eating is Related to the Visceral Adiposity Index among Women who are Overweight or Obese

Emotion and Stress-related Eating is Related to the Visceral Adiposity Index among Women who are Overweight or Obese

Use of Food to Cope With Culturally Relevant Stressful Life Events Is Associated With Body Mass Index in African American Women.

Although stress is an established contributor to obesity (in general population studies), mechanisms to explain this association in African American women that incorporate culturally relevant frameworks have received little attention. To investigate how stress is associated with body mass index (BMI) in this population, we examined multivariate models of BMI predicted by race-related, gender-related, and generic stressful life events and by use of food to cope with stress. We hypothesized that the three types of stressful life events would be indirectly associated with BMI through using food to cope with stress. Psychometrically robust measures were included in surveys administered to a socioeconomically diverse sample of 189 African American women aged 21-78 years. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. We examined race-related, gender-related, and generic stressful life events as latent constructs indicated by exposure to and appraisal of potential stressors predicting a mediator, using food to cope, which predicted BMI; this model also included direct paths from the three latent stressful life event constructs to BMI. Almost every participant reported using food in some way to cope with stress; 33% and 42% met established criteria for overweight and obesity, respectively. The race-related stressful life event construct was the only latent construct predicting using food to cope with stress, and using food to cope with stress predicted BMI. A significance test of indirect effects demonstrated that the race-related stressful life event construct was indirectly associated with BMI through the mediator, using food to cope. Culturally relevant stress exposures and stress-related eating are important areas of foci for tackling overweight, obesity, and related health inequities in African American women. Findings highlight the importance of developing more complex models to understand the stress-related factors that elevate risk for overweight and obesity in this population.

Development, Feasibility, and Initial Results of a Mindful Eating Intervention: Project Mindful Eating and Exercise (MEE): Feeding the Mind, Body, and Soul

ABSTRACT Background: The aim of this study was to develop a mindful eating intervention and evaluate potential changes in selected outcomes. The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping was used to guide the curriculum development and selection of evaluation measures. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a behavioral intervention entitled, “Project MEE (Mindful Eating and Exercise): Feeding Your Mind, Body, and Soul.” Methods: Pre-menopausal women, 25–50 years, with a body mass index (BMI) of 25–40 kg/m2 participated in the development of the curriculum (n = 13) and initial testing of the final eight-week intervention (n = 18). Selected measures included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ), Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress Questionnaire (EADES), BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and serum hydrophilic (H-AOX) and lipophilic (L-AOX) antioxidant capacity. Paired t-tests were used to assess for significant changes between baseline and follow-up measures. Results: Although PSS scores improved slightly, MEQ scores (p = .001), stress-related eating scores (p = <0.001), body weight (p = .02), waist circumference (p < .001), systolic blood pressure (p = .05), H-AOX (p = .02), and L-AOX (p < .001) improved significantly. Discussion: Project MEE intervention has the potential to reduce maladaptive coping efforts, such as mindless and stress-related eating, and produce changes in health status. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health educators may want to include mindful eating strategies and use this behavioral theory when designing programs for stress-related eating.

Influence of Parental Mindful Eating Practices on Child Emotional Eating: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract Objectives Parents and caregivers shape the social and environmental factors that influence a child's intake and eating behaviors. Parental feeding practices may lead to recurring emotional eating in the child. Mindful eating practices may decrease emotional eating behaviors in adults and adolescents. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the influence of parental mindful eating on emotional eating behaviors of their children and adolescents. A second purpose of this systematic review was to determine whether parental or child participation in a mindful eating intervention improves emotional eating among children. Methods This review (PROSPERO 168,265) was conducted utilizing EBSCOhost to search five databases. The search was limited to full-text, peer-reviewed studies in the English language from 2014–2020. Studies included must have evaluated parental mindful eating and child emotion- or stress-related eating. Studies were excluded if parents were not involved and mindful eating/feeding/or parenting and child emotional eating were not measured. Authors used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. The process identified seven studies. Results Among the four cross-sectional studies, parental mindful eating/feeding/parenting skills were either directly or indirectly related to decreased emotional eating in the child or adolescent. However, the effect was unclear among the experimental studies. Most of these studies were pilot feasibility studies. Measures of mindful and emotional eating differed across studies. Conclusions Parental mindful eating may improve emotional eating behaviors among children and adolescents. Randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate parent mindful eating interventions on child and adolescent eating behaviors. Future trials need to use similar validated measures to ensure consistent quality data collection and allow for comparison of findings across studies. Funding Sources N/A.

Weight Status and Emotion- and Stress-Related Eating: Testing Constructs of the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping

ABSTRACT Background: Stress-related eating and its determinants may differ by weight status among college students. The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping provides a framework for discussion of how individuals process stressful events. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to operationalize the constructs of the model to examine determinants of stress-related eating among college students by weight status. Methods: Participants (n = 1070) completed an online survey, which included: Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine determinants of emotion- and stress-related eating. Results: Students who were overweight/obese reported significantly greater levels of emotion- and stress-related eating than healthy weight counterparts (p < .001). Perceived Stress Scores were not significantly related to Emotion- and Stress-related Eating Scores. Appraisal of Ability and Resources to Cope scores were positively correlated with Emotion and Stress-related Eating Scores in both healthy and overweight/obese groups (p < .0001). Discussion: When appraisal of ability and resources to cope are added to the model, the relationship between perceived stress and stress-related eating as a coping strategy diminishes. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health programs should support college students to develop problem-based coping strategies to improve emotion- and stress- related eating. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI)http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars

Associations between objective physical activity and emotional eating among adiposity-discordant siblings using ecological momentary assessment and accelerometers.

Emotional eating is associated with obesity, though less is known regarding factors that predict emotional eating episodes in children and adolescents. To investigate whether moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or total activity counts 60 minutes prior to psychological stress predicted stress-related eating and positive emotional eating (ie, eating while happy), and whether adiposity (z-BMI) moderated these associations. Participants were drawn from a prior study of siblings (N = 77; mean age = 15.4 ± 1.4 years) discordant for weight status (39 non-overweight siblings, 38 siblings with overweight/obesity) who completed an ecological momentary assessment protocol with accelerometer-based assessment of physical activity. Greater MVPA was associated with lower stress-related eating across the sample. Lower total activity (between-person effects) and lower MVPA (within-person effects) were associated with greater stress-related eating for siblings with greater z-BMI. Greater total activity was associated with lower positive emotional eating for siblings with lower z-BMI (between- and within-person). Findings demonstrate potential regulating effects of prior physical activity on emotional eating at the individual and momentary level, though there are nuances depending on z-BMI. Future work is needed to examine underlying mechanisms and timescale of effects, and particularly the extent to which enhancing MVPA time among youth with z-BMI may mitigate momentary risk of stress-related eating episodes.

Evaluating the Quality of Smartphone Apps for Overeating, Stress, and Craving-Related Eating Using the Mobile Application Rating Scale

Food overconsumption is a major public health issue worldwide where obesity-related conditions are a leading cause of preventable death. The purpose of this study is to rate the quality of mobile apps aimed at improving eating behavior by targeting food and stress-related eating using the Mobile Application Rating Scale. There are few published studies evaluating the effectiveness of smartphone apps targeting the addiction model to improve eating behavior. Although pilot studies have indicated that this approach is promising, no randomized controlled trials have been published. This study included 19 apps, and app quality scores ranged from 2.58 to 4.87, with a mean score of 3.52 out of 5. The large discrepancy in quality is a concern given that these apps are aimed at addressing eating-related behaviors and influence health outcomes. As a result, a high burden is put on consumers to vigilantly screen apps to determine if information provided is based on scientific evidence.

Mindful Eating is Related to Stress-related Eating, Perceived Stress, and Appraisal of Resources to Cope: An Application of the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping

Mindful Eating is Related to Stress-related Eating, Perceived Stress, and Appraisal of Resources to Cope: An Application of the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping

P19 Emotion- and Stress-Related Eating is Related to Weight Status Among College Students

<h3>Background</h3> The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping proposes that stress occurs when one perceives that a particular stressor outweighs one's resources to cope. Emotion- and stress-related eating may be used as a measure to cope, which can lead to an increase in caloric intake and weight gain. <h3>Objective</h3> The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between constructs of The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and weight status among college students. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> Six hundred and ninety college students participated in an online survey. <h3>Outcome Measure/Analysis</h3> The survey included the Emotion- and Stress-related Eating and the Appraisal of Ability and Resources to Cope sub-scales from the Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress (EADES) Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), self-report of height and weight, and demographic questions. Responses were captured on a 5 point Likert scale where lower scores represent greater emotion- and stress-related eating, lower appraisal of skills and resources to cope, and less stress. Logistic regression analysis was used to test the relationship between weight status and emotion- and stress-related eating, appraisal of resources to cope, and PSS while adjusting for demographics. <h3>Results</h3> In univariate analysis, when compared with healthy weight students, overweight/obese students had significantly lower Emotion-and Stress-related Eating scores (3.3 ± 0.7 vs 3.7 ± 0.8, <i>P</i> < .001) but similar PSS (17.4 ± 6.2 vs 16.9 ± 6.2, <i>P</i> = .23) and appraisal scores (3.6 ± 0.7 vs 3.7 ± 0.7, <i>P</i> = .10). After adjusting for demographics, overweight/obese individuals had significantly lower Emotion- and Stress-related Eating scores than their healthy weight counterparts regardless of perceived stress and appraisal to cope with stress (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.28-0.49). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Overweight and obese college students report more emotion- and stress-related eating compared to normal weight students; however, their perceived stress levels were similar. Emotion- and stress-related eating should be included in educational interventions.