Not just stress, peer pressure can lead to emotional eating

If food makes you feel energetic and happy, it's good. If it makes you lethargic or uncomfortable, it's not, says Dr Smitha Singh, clinical dietitian at Lucknow Wellness Clinic, in an interview with Anna Jose. Edited excerpts:

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How do cultural and social restrictions around food affect women's health?

Women often struggle with their eating habits due to cultural expectations and responsibilities. When the diet is not organised or when women don't know what they are eating, they either overeat or undereat. Overeating can lead to metabolic issues such as diabetes, thyroid problems and cardiac diseases. Eating too little results in nutrient deficiencies, especially micronutrients. The same quantity of food can have different nutritional value depending on how it is prepared. Many women end up eating leftovers or stale food, which may lose nutrients owing to reheating. Eating patterns matter too, as without a balanced diet, women are at greater risk of metabolic disorders and obesity.

Women experience hormonal changes through PCOS, pregnancy, menopause and more. How do these conditions complicate dietary issues?