Normally, people eat when hunger pangs tell the brain the stomach is empty and needs fuel. In emotional eating, a person consumes food to satisfy an emotional need (like reducing stress or sadness), not a physical need. Edie Goldbacher, obesity researcher with Temple's Center for Obesity Research, says traditional weight loss programs don't focus on the role of emotional eating in weight loss. She says emotions can sometimes sabotage a diet and suggests dieters keep a food diary to help them become more aware of what, how much and when they are eating.