Feeding the feelings: gender differences in emotional eating during COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Context

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified mental health issues and increased emotional eating (EE), a coping mechanism, where food is consumed in response to emotions rather than hunger. During the pandemic, gender-specific EE patterns were observed, with women reporting elevated EE levels in response to stress, anxiety, and depression due to various social and psychological factors.

Objectives

This study primarily focused on examining gender differences in EE during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a secondary outcome, it aimed to explore predictors of EE.

Data sources and extraction

This systematic review was pre-registered (PROSPERO CRD42023421727) and adhered to PRESS and PRISMA guidelines. Studies published between March 2020 and August 2024 were identified across Scopu

SUBMITTER: Zaiser C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12597742 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature