Majority of Chronic Pain Sufferers Use Comfort Eating as a Coping Mechanism

More than two-thirds of individuals experiencing chronic pain turn to comfort foods, such as chocolates and high-calorie snacks, as a way to manage their discomfort. Recent research highlights that eating provides not just pleasure but also serves as a distracting activity and a means to alleviate negative emotions during pain episodes.

Chronic pain affects approximately one in five people worldwide, making it a significant public health concern. While comfort eating is a common response to persistent pain, it can lead to weight gain, further complicating health issues and intensifying pain symptoms.

According to Professor Toby Newton-John from the University of Technology Sydney, understanding the psychological reasons behind comfort eating is essential for developing comprehensive pain management strategies. He notes that many individuals rely on food during pain flare-ups at least once every two weeks. The study, authored by Claudia Roche, Dr. Amy Burton, and Professor Newton-John, surveyed 141 adults with chronic pain about their eating habits during pain episodes.

The findings revealed that the primary reasons for comfort eating were to enjoy pleasant experiences (51.8%), to distract oneself (49.6%), and to reduce negative emotions (39%). Dr. Burton emphasizes that eating these foods provides a significant moment of pleasure, which becomes a powerful motivator for individuals living with ongoing pain.

There may also be biological factors at play. Research suggests that high-calorie foods can have mild pain-relieving effects, with animal studies indicating that rats in pain will seek out sugar. This indicates that the analgesic properties of comfort foods could be partially physiological.

However, reliance on food for relief has drawbacks. Nearly 40% of participants in the study met criteria for obesity, raising concerns about a vicious cycle where weight gain worsens pain and increases health risks. Short-term relief from high-calorie foods can be offset by long-term negative impacts, including increased inflammation and joint strain.

Current pain management approaches usually focus on medication and physical therapies, but this research advocates for integrating dietary guidance to help prevent the cycle of comfort eating. Recognizing when food becomes a coping tool can enable clinicians to offer healthier alternatives.

Professor Newton-John stresses that understanding this behavior should not lead to blame but to increased awareness. Managing daily pain is complex, and temporary comfort through food is understandable, but awareness and alternative strategies are vital for breaking the cycle.

This insight underscores the importance of holistic pain management programs that include psychological, physical, and dietary components, aiming to improve quality of life for those with chronic pain.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-people-chronic-pain-comfort.html