Chronic stress and overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight)

Perfectionism, self-judgment, or an inner critic that fuels burnout

Emotional eating or using food to self-soothe, often unconsciously

Disconnection from hunger/fullness cues due to years of dieting or shame around food

Overwhelm and mental load, leading to irregular routines or poor self-care habits

Suppressed emotions, especially anger, grief, or fear, stored in the body

Lack of self-worth, feeling undeserving of care or nourishment

Insulin resistance, often due to long-term high sugar/carb intake or lack of movement

Blood sugar dysregulation from irregular meals, highly processed foods, or under-eating

Sedentary lifestyle or reduced muscle mass (which helps regulate glucose)

Poor sleep quality, which affects cortisol, hunger hormones, and insulin sensitivity

Chronic inflammation, possibly from gut imbalances, toxins, or autoimmune issues

Hormonal shifts, such as menopause or PCOS

Genetic predisposition, especially when combined with lifestyle factors

Disconnection from the body — living mostly in the head, ignoring somatic signals

Lack of sweetness in life — turning to food for comfort when life feels dull, rigid, or joyless

Sacral chakra imbalance — associated with nourishment, pleasure, and emotional flow

Solar plexus imbalance — related to self-worth, agency, and metabolic function

Loss of purpose or meaning, leading to low vitality and “stuck” energy in the body

Ignoring intuition or inner guidance around rest, food, or boundaries