During times of high stress, many people eat more than usual, commonly referred to as “stress eating.” While it’s okay to indulge every now and then, it can become a problem if food frequently becomes a source of comfort in response to stress.

According to a new study published in an international journal, stress paired with high-calorie ‘comfort’ food results in brain changes that cause more eating, and increase cravings for sweet, satiating food. Over time, this can cause weight gain.

Researchers from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research discovered that stress took over the brain’s typical reaction to satiety, which resulted in the continuous activation of reward signals that led to consuming foods that are more palatable.

“We showed that chronic stress, combined with a high-calorie diet, can drive more and more food intake as well as a preference for sweet, highly palatable food, thereby promoting weight gain and obesity. This research highlights how crucial a healthy diet is during times of stress,” Professor Herbert Herzog, senior author of the study and Visiting Scientist at the Garvan Institute, said in a news release.

These types of food activate the reward center of the brain. Eating while stressed can create unhealthy associations. In other words, if you are less stressed after eating certain foods, you’re more likely to continue with that behavior in the future.

“High-calorie ‘comfort’ foods activate reward centers in the brain, triggering the release of feel-good chemicals like dopamine. While eating these types of foods provides temporary relief and pleasure, they also create a link between stress and the consumption of unhealthy foods, so the habit of eating these foods is continued through association,” he explained.