The Risk Factor Connection: Emotional Eating and Breast Cancer

In many cases, researchers do not know why a woman develops breast cancer. However, they have identified certain characteristics, usually called risk factors, which influence a woman's chance of getting the disease. One of those risk factors is weight. Being overweight (especially in the waist) increases a woman’s risk, especially after menopause.

A goal to achieve and maintain a healthy weight is a tough pursuit. Most people know how important it is to keep weight in check yet struggle to do so. And when faced with certain persistent emotions (e.g., frustration, anger, boredom, sadness, resentment, stress, disappointment, fear) that are activated due to health problems, challenging relationships, family obligations, too much work, job dissatisfaction, or an unresolved past, a decision to make good food choices can be especially tough.

Many people use high-fat, high-calorie foods for comfort or as a distraction to deal with the discomforts of things going on around them. Unfortunately, using food as a coping or distracting strategy doesn't alleviate emotions and will likely cause weight gain, which is a breast cancer risk factor.

So, are you an emotional eater? How do you deal with feelings of anger, frustration, fear, stress, low self-esteem, loneliness, conflict, depression or disappointment? Do you find comfort in food? Are you constantly on a diet but, never losing weight? When you feel frustrated or disappointed with events or people – is the answer to eat something salty or sweet? If you answered the last three questions with a ‘yes’, maybe you be categorized as an “emotional eater.”

First Things First… Stop emotional eating by implementing the following tips…

• Learn to recognize true hunger: A craving for chips, cookies, soda, ice cream, or a candy bar soon after a meal is likely an emotional hunger, not real hunger.
• Identify the food triggers: Keeping a journal can help identify patterns in emotional eating, including emotions and feelings when eating; what and how much was eaten; and feelings after eating.
• Look elsewhere for comfort: Instead of grabbing a candy bar or Pepsi, take a walk, call a friend, volunteer, engage in ministry work at your church, pursue that something you’ve dream about doing.
• Manage stress in a healthy way: The goal is to lower stress with healthful strategies, including regular exercise, adequate rest and positive relationships.
• Toss out the unhealthy foods: Avoid stocking the pantry or refrigerator with high-calorie comfort foods. Research healthier comfort foods.

This health and fitness dialogue is provided for your consideration only. It is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about your specific health and fitness needs.

Fitness coach Bridgette Collins is the author of Destined to Live Healthier and Imagine Living Healthier. For general health and fitness questions, please feel free to visit www.BridgetteCollins.com or email Coach Collins at Bridgette@bridgettecollins.com.