India, Jan. 5 -- Binge-eating and snacking between meals is a common habit of many across the globe. The urge can have a wide variety of triggers, not all of which are always apparent to us.

Despite the enjoyable nature of the habit, it is a major cause of concern for people who are counting calories and trying to lose weight. Fitness enthusiasts may consider giving in to sudden cravings as a sign of a lack of willpower.

However, taking to Instagram on January 5, American board-certified gastroenterologist Dr Palaniappan Manickam explained that it is definitely not the case. As a gut doctor, seeing people give in to binge eating is a daily occurrence for him.

"Emotional eating is often your body trying to self-soothe, not sabotage you,...