Why do heartbroken people pig out on food?

Not to sound too airy but it may be because love is a fulfilling experience. When love is lost it creates an emptyness, a void that needs to be filled. Unfortunately food is one of the more readily and easily accepted sources around. Friends will talk and talk but food just obeys the commmands of the teeth and stomach. The stomach is closest organ that can be filled to that place where we feel the hurrt.

I think it's because eating, to some people, relieves stress. Also, scientists have discovered that eating when stressed is actually hormonally driven. You could read about it here: http://psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20031131-000002.html http://www.news.wisc.edu/14173

I think it's because food brings comfort to some people. If there is a food someone really likes (like chocolate) they will want it to try and make themselves feel better about a broken relationship. It's something good that they can bring into their own lives. Something they can control. I think it's sad because food can only bring false comfort, and it can have negative effects.

Well, food to them has no bounderies, and food won't say no, food won't leave you, food is always there when you want it to be, and food comforts you when everyone else or anything else can't do it for you. It makes sense. Chocolate usually gives people the feeling of being in love, and that is possibly why it's the number one choice. Chocolate never says no.