09/04/2026
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09/04/2026
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KUWAIT CITY, April 9: Amid escalating political tensions in the region, the repercussions of this turmoil have extended beyond the psychological realm, affecting every aspect of daily life, particularly dietary habits. Disordered eating patterns are emerging, ranging from overeating driven by anxiety to loss of appetite caused by stress, highlighting the impact of these crises on public health.
Dr. Sanaa Abdullah Al- Majed, a clinical nutritionist and former head of the Nutrition Awareness Department at the Food and Nutrition Administration of the Ministry of Health, highlighted the strong link between psychological state and eating behavior. She explained that stress can trigger two opposing responses in the body - either turning to “emotional eating” for comfort or experiencing a complete loss of appetite. Dr. Al-Majed explained that constant exposure to political news and its rapid developments generates anxiety and fear, causing some individuals to use food as a way to relieve stress. Others respond by restricting their food intake, which can lead to loss of appetite.
Stress triggers the release of the hormone cortisol, which increases appetite and cravings for sugary and fatty foods because they provide quick energy and stimulate the release of dopamine, the hormone responsible for a temporary sense of well-being. This behavior is known as “emotional eating.” Dr. Al-Majed went on to explain that cases of appetite loss are linked to the body’s “fight or flight” response, where elevated adrenaline levels suppress appetite and slow the digestive system as the body focuses on confronting threats.
In such cases, even thinking about food can feel exhausting or provoke nausea. Regarding how to distinguish between true hunger and emotional hunger, she explained that true hunger develops gradually and arises from a physical need. A person can eat any type of food and stop once they feel full. Emotional hunger, on the other hand, appears suddenly and intensely and is often linked to cravings for specific sugary or fatty foods. It may persist even after feeling full.
Dr. Al-Majed suggested using the “apple test,” where willingness to eat any available food indicates genuine hunger, while refusing it and seeking specific foods points to emotional hunger. For cases of emotional eating, Dr. Al- Majed recommended the “10-15 minute rule” to delay sudden urges to eat. She also advised avoiding eating while watching screens and preparing healthy snacks in advance.
In cases of appetite loss, she emphasized the importance of eating small, frequent meals and avoiding foods or smells that are unpleasant to maintain a basic level of nutritional balance. She concluded by highlighting that nutritional awareness is the first line of defense for maintaining health during crises, stressing the need to pay attention to the body’s signals and not let stress dictate unhealthy eating habits.
In this regard, clinical nutritionist Bashayer Al-Bader confirmed in an interview with Kuwait TV that psychological stress from current circumstances directly affects eating habits. She revealed that responses vary, with some individuals turning to “emotional eating” to relieve stress, while others experience a significant loss of appetite. Al-Bader explained that emotional eating is one of the most common responses, as consuming foods high in sugar and fat produces a temporary sense of comfort by triggering the release of feel-good hormones in the brain.
Another group reacts differently to stress, with psychological pressure causing the digestive system to contract and leading to a noticeable loss of appetite. She emphasized the importance of developing self-awareness to manage these behaviors by distinguishing between genuine hunger and emotional hunger, asking a simple question - “Am I truly hungry, or am I eating to soothe my feelings?” According to Al-Bader, this awareness is the first step toward maintaining balanced eating habits during periods of stress.
Risks of emotional eating and loss of appetite:
- Weight gain and obesity
- Increased risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
- Digestive disorders
- Malnutrition
- Weakened immunity
- Chronic fatigue
- Muscle loss
- Hair loss
- Dull skin
Foods that boost mood:
- Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna
- Fiber-rich and magnesium-rich foods, such as spinach and bananas
- Probiotics, such as yogurt, to support gut health
- Dark chocolate, rich in antioxidants
By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff