Weight Loss and Stress

by Charles Howell

Overview

Stress can cause problems when not dealt with. It can be the leading reason you may not be losing weight. Stress is also a large contributing factor to weight gain.
Hormones

When you are stressed, you produce cortisol. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex and regulates your blood sugar, inflammation, healing, energy production, and the immune system. When there is too much cortisol produced, it can lead to weight gain.

Body

When your body is stressed, it goes into the "fight or flight" response. Your body releases hormones to help counteract the problem. This changes your body's metabolism and blood flow.
Stress and weight loss

When you're stressed it is harder to lose weight. Stress changes your metabolism because the cortisol can slow it down. Stressed-out people tend to have stronger cravings for fatty, salty and sugary foods; they are not only fattening but they alter your blood sugar. When stressed, most people want food right away, so they often turn to fast food instead of fixing a healthy meal
Other Issues

Stress has been linked to metabolic syndrome. This is a cluster of health problems that could eventually lead to diabetes or heart attacks. The main thing about stress is that the longer you are stressed the worse your health gets. Your body begins storing fat, which leads to extra abdominal fat. The abdomen is one of the worst places for your body to store fat because it can causes the worst health issues.
Dealing with Stress

If you are stressed and trying to lose weight, there are some things you can do. Try de-stressing techniques such as yoga, pilates, breathing exercises and physical exercise. Also, change the kinds of the foods you snack on. Cut down on salt, sugar, fast food and overly processed foods. Choose carrots over bread, and pretzels over chips.