Stress leads women to bad diet

A UK study has found that women and men react very differently to daily stress, with women in the survey more likely to fall into unhealthy habits.

“Women who work long hours eat more high-fat and high-sugar snacks, exercise less, drink more caffeine and, if smokers, smoke more than their male colleagues,” says researcher Dr Daryl O’Connor.

He described those at risk of falling into this behavioural pattern as ‘emotional eaters’ who "avoid… negative feelings by turning their attention to food.”

Source: Effects of Stress on Eating Behaviour: an Integrated Approach, Economic & Social Research Council, UK September 2006