The Association Between Stress Levels and Eating Behaviors
Lauren Lenk
Background
“Stress” related to finances, work or illness is a part
of our daily lives. Many people choose negative
methods to cope with stress, such as overeating.
Acute stress has the ability to notably alter our
eating patterns, preferences, and over all percent
intake. The US is currently undergoing an obesity
epidemic leading to life threatening illnesses. It is
well established that causes of obesity are
multifactorial and is associated with comorbidities
such as heart diseases and type two diabetes.
Recent studies show 35–60% of stressed people
consume more calories including comfort foods.
This stress exhibits addictive properties increasing
the likelihood of obesity. Through previous studies,
these stress levels have been linked to alterations in
food habits, ultimately leading to weight changes.
This study explores the incidence of eating
behaviors with stress in adults and increased caloric
intake of highly palatable food with stress.
Objectives
•  Investigate the relationship between high levels
of stress and altered eating habits in people
above the age of 18 residing in the US.
•  Identify a correlation between poor food
choices and stress levels.
•  Identify stress related weight changes
University of Saint Joseph Dietetic Internship
Methods Results Conclusion
This study was approved by the University of Saint The data revealed a positive correlation between The results of this study revealed the majority of
Joseph’s Institutional Review Board. It was increased stress and changed eating behaviors participants experienced stress related eating
conducted by using a 15 question multiple choice specifically targeting high palatable foods. 94.74% behaviors and weight gain. Recent studies have also
and open-ended survey that was posted on of participants experience stress in their daily lives. revealed a positive correlation between increased
Facebook with a link to Survey Monkey. The While stressed, 78.95% expressed an increase stress and altered eating habits, increased
survey was available to all people who have access desire to eat; 63.16% increased intake of snacks; consumption of high fat and sugar foods, and
to my Facebook page. Questions included presence 65.79% craved highly palatable foods; 47.37% increased BMI. These results may offer health
of stress, eating habits, food cravings and weight experienced weight gain. professionals insight into the role of stress in
fluctuations. A total of 38 participants completed unhealthy food choices and weight gain. Further
the survey. research is needed in a larger population to gain
Effects from Stress additional knowledge in stress related eating.
35
1. What gender do you identify as? Male, Female, Other  
2. Please indicate your age 30
18-28 40-59
29-39 60+ 25
Number of Participants
3. What is your height? –Open ended craving high palatable
4. What is your current weight? –Open ended 20 food
5. Please select the highest degree applicable to you increased disire to eat
High school Masters
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Weight Loss
16%
Stress and Eating Behavior Survey