We eat to beat the blues

Almost half of adults in the UK eat to stifle feelings of boredom, loneliness and stress, researchers claimed today.

Specialists at the Priory Hospital in London said the figures highlight an unhealthy relationship between food and emotions.

The survey of 2,000 people found 47 per cent of those aged 16-24 and 40 per cent aged 35-44 have eaten because of boredom.

A third of women say they would be happier if they were thinner and feel guilty after eating.