Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is addressing the growing concern of emotional eating in children by outlining key signs and practical solutions.

Emotional eating isn’t something only adults struggle with — more and more children are turning to food for comfort, and it can have a profound impact on their physical and emotional health. Instead of eating because they’re hungry, many children eat when they feel bored, stressed, sad, or anxious. Having a treat now and then is perfectly fine, but when food becomes a way to manage emotions, it can lead to unhealthy habits, weight gain, and low self-esteem.

Globally, more than 35 million children under the age of five are now overweight, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This growing trend is linked to a rise in childhood obesity and related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease later in life.

Children today face pressures that didn’t exist a generation ago, from school stress and bullying to social media and family problems. When they don’t learn healthy ways to cope, food can easily become their go-to source of comfort, offering short-term relief but long-term harm.

“As parents and caregivers, it’s important to recognise that emotional eating is often a sign of deeper stress or unmet emotional needs,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“By teaching children healthy coping skills and encouraging open conversations about their feelings, we can help them build a positive relationship with food and their overall well-being.”

Why it Matters

Emotional eating can mask underlying problems and delay the development of healthier ways to manage emotions. Over time, this behaviour increases the risk of:

• Childhood obesity and related health conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension.
• Nutrient deficiencies from choosing high-sugar, high-fat “comfort foods” over balanced meals.
• Poor concentration and school performance due to fluctuating energy levels.
• Body image issues and low self-esteem.
• The development of eating disorders in adolescence and adulthood.

Signs of Emotional Eating in Children

Parents and caregivers can look out for these key warning signs:

Eating in Response to Emotions

If a child consistently turns to food when sad, anxious, or bored, rather than when physically hungry, this is a red flag.

Sudden Cravings for Specific Foods

Emotional hunger often presents as cravings for sweet, salty, or fatty foods, rather than general hunger.

Rapid or Secretive Eating

Children may eat quickly or secretly hide food wrappers if they feel ashamed about their eating habits.

Changes in Weight or Energy

Unexplained weight gain, chronic fatigue, or low energy may indicate frequent overeating.

Mood Swings Linked to Food

Children may appear happy when eating, but irritable or withdrawn afterwards.

Skipping Meals Followed by Overeating

Emotional eaters often avoid balanced meals, only to later indulge in unhealthy snacking or binge eating.

Root Causes of Emotional Eating in Children

Emotional eating in children is often triggered by everyday stress. School pressure, family conflict, bullying, or peer pressure can leave kids feeling anxious or overwhelmed, leading them to seek comfort in food. Boredom and easy access to snacks can turn eating into a habit rather than a response to hunger, and when children see parents using food to cope with stress, they often pick up the same behaviour.

Practical Solutions for Parents

• Encourage open chats about emotions. Children who feel supported are less likely to turn to food for comfort.
• Real hunger builds slowly and can be satisfied with any food. Emotional hunger comes on suddenly and often leads to cravings for sweets or junk food.
• If your child is starving, keep fruit, yoghurt, or nuts on hand. If it’s emotional hunger, suggest drawing, playing outside, or talking about what’s bothering them.
• Family meals create routine and help stop children from snacking all day.
• Whether it’s sports, dancing, or a simple family walk, staying active boosts mood and reduces stress.
• Model healthy eating habits at home and handle stress in positive ways, such as talking, journaling, or being active.
• Don’t make sweets or chips a daily option. If they’re not in the house, kids are less likely to ask for them.
• Praise your child’s strengths and achievements that have nothing to do with looks. Confident children are less likely to use food to cope.
• A stable, supportive environment helps children feel safe and reduces comfort eating.
• If emotional eating worsens or your child is gaining weight quickly, speak to a doctor, dietitian, or child psychologist for guidance.

The Road Ahead

Helping children avoid emotional eating isn’t about strict rules or banning certain foods. It’s about teaching them balance and helping them deal with their feelings in a healthy way. When parents recognise the signs early and offer gentle guidance, children are more likely to build a healthy relationship with food and grow up feeling confident and secure. Affinity Health supports families on this path by making it easier to speak to doctors, use telehealth services, and get help from a trusted network of healthcare professionals.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.