Research paper
Yau YHC, Potenza MN. Stress and eating behaviors. Minerva Endocrinologica. 2013;38(3):255-267. PMID: 24126546. PMCID: PMC4214609.
Why we cite it
A comprehensive neurobiological framework for understanding stress eating. While other sources document *that* stress triggers eating, Yau and Potenza explain *why* through three mechanistically distinct but synergistic pathways: HPA axis dysregulation (metabolic), mesolimbic dopamine sensitization (reward), and prefrontal cortex impairment (control). The synergy is the key insight — stress doesn't just create cravings (reward pathway) OR weaken self-control (executive pathway); it does both simultaneously while also reshaping metabolism (HPA pathway). This explains why willpower-only approaches fail and why stress eating feels so compulsive. For the project, this provides the biological foundation for companions about stress eating and breaking the stress-eating cycle.