Love feeds on junk food

A third of the young people admit they turn to food when they are unhappy about their love lives, according to a new survey.

The Priory Group, which treats people with eating disorders, questioned 1,000 people, and found those aged 15 to 24 had the worst relation with food. Just over 60 per cent said they comfort eat with chocolate and 43 per cent with fast food, which experts say raises concerns over their general eating habits.

Specialists warn that a reliance on comfort foods can lead to eating disorders. When someone uses food to try and control their feelings, it can be physically and mentally damaging.

Dr Peter Rowan, a consultant psychiatrist with the Priory Group, said: "These young adults, who will be raising the next generation, will pass their attitudes to food on to their children. "If the current trends are continued, eating behaviour will become progressively more detached from food and health needs, and the number of young people with eating disorders will continue to rise."

The study found 52 per cent of adults admit to gorging on chocolate when they felt down, and another 25 per cent turned to junk food.

However, 63 per cent said they felt less attractive when they felt overweight, and 74 per cent felt better about themselves when they ate healthily.

Dr Rowan said, "These people are desperate to fill the void created by loneliness, low self- esteem, depression and insecurity. — ANI