If you’ve ever found yourself raiding the fridge at 2 a.m. for no reason other than a bad mood or sheer boredom, you’re far from alone. New research from Superdrug Online Doctor has revealed emotional eating is now so common that more than half of Brits are sneaking out of bed to snack—sometimes up to eight times a month—driven by feelings rather than hunger.

It’s a habit that’s not just ruining sleep, but fuelling guilt and piling on the calories. In fact, the average Brit is swallowing a staggering 344,064 emotional calories a year. Nearly three-quarters (73%) now openly admit they are emotional eaters, with over 87% snacking purely out of boredom or sadness. A hefty 69% feel guilty afterwards—though not enough, it seems, to stop.

The sofa is the nation’s preferred grazing ground (53%), but 17% confess to eating in bed, while others admit to furtive trips to the kitchen counter, table, or even their desks.

Dr Babak Ashrafi from Superdrug Online Doctor sees the problem as part of a bigger health crisis. “The survey shows one in four Brits admit to being an emotional eater, and with the latest Government stats showing six in ten of us are obese or overweight, it seems many Brits need to break the cycle of emotional eating.

“We know that it can be challenging to leave the food noise cycle behind, but Superdrug’s Weight Loss Service is designed to provide personalised support and ongoing guidance for those who qualify and are keen to start their weight loss journey. Our service combines various weight loss options, along with nutrition and exercise guidance.”

According to leading psychologist Dr Becky Spelman, the roots run deep. “Emotional eating is deeply rooted in how we were raised. Many of us were given treats as a reward for being good or to soothe us when we were upset, so food becomes more than just fuel; it’s a source of emotional comfort.”

The numbers show just how entrenched that comfort has become. Almost half (43%) say food is their only real enjoyment in life, and more than three-quarters (76%) of midnight snackers admit to feeling guilty afterwards.

For perspective, the research estimates the average Brit clocks up 28,672 emotional eating calories every month—enough to wipe out any weekend gym session in a single sitting.

If the UK is going to break this cycle, it’s going to take more than hiding the biscuit tin. It may require a national rethink of how we use food—not just to fill our stomachs, but to fill our emotional gaps.