Comfort eating: What's the solution?

That's double the rate of depression in women since the 1970s, say German experts whose study has been published by the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology.

A survey by All About Health also suggests the majority of women eat when they are feeling down. Almost two thousand women from around the UK and aged from 16 to 55+ were quizzed about their health. When asked "When you are having an unhealthy moment, what is often the cause?", 53 percent admitted it was a treat to cheer themselves up (compared with 34 percent of men).

Comfort eating, is, however, nothing new. Even celebrities do it (Britney Spears, Liza Minelli, Sophie Dahl and Vanessa Feltz are among the rich and famous who have admitted to the more than occasional comfort food binge). It could well be one of the most common forms of self-medication there is (alcohol being another). But can it do you any harm?

The problem with comfort eating is that the type of foods involved aren't usually  healthy. Whoever heard of anyone eating spinach when they were feeling bored or under stress, for instance? Let's face it, most people are far more likely to eat chocolate or cream buns when they feel low.

So what can you do about it? Apart from tackle the root cause – that is, the problem that is compelling you towards putting that sugary or fatty snack in your mouth in the first place – some experts believe there are a few things you can do to avoid binge eating.

First, recognise your triggers – do you comfort eat when you're bored, lonely, worried, anxious or stressed (or perhaps all those things)? Being aware of the emotions that lead to comfort eating may well be the first step to conquering it.

Finding alternative, healthier ways of giving yourself a boost is another tip. As is reminding yourself that food will never really bring you comfort (at least, not after you've eaten it, that is). 

Interestingly, the authors of the research on depression point out that marriage reduces depression in men, whereas being hitched increases depression in women. What does that say about modern relationships? Are women suffering from more depression because they are under more pressure than men are? Could men help by taking a bigger share of the responsibilities at home as well as at work?

What's your view?