There is no denying that Stress has a widely negative effect on our bodies. Stress can affect you mentally, but the worst part is the unintended weight gain that can often accompany a stressful time in your life. Stress is a major contributor to weight gain and can have long-term effects if not dealt with. When we are under a lot of stress, a negative response is triggered in our bodies resulting in the release of various hormones. This also includes the Cortisol- stress hormone. The cortisol hormone tricks our minds into craving junk food options containing more fat and sugar. In the initial stages of stress you may avoid eating food, but in the long run it will increase your hunger and you’ll end up eating unhealthy food.
According to a study conducted, it was found that elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol have is directly correlated to an increase in weight. This study has proven that chronic stress is a major contributing factor to weight gain.
How stress is related to weight gain:
- Forget to Eat:
During periods of stress, we may either not feel like eating or eat less. Missing a meal can sometimes lead to metabolic slow-downs and low blood-sugar making matters worse. To avoid this, we end up eating more which shakes up our entire food schedule. So when you’re too busy or stressed out to eat, having even a light snack can help you out. Oatmeal, raspberries, chocolate milk and a few others are good options to make you feel less stressed.
- Gaining an Extra Layer of Fat:
One of the unfortunate things that happens when we are chronically stressed out is we end up growing an extra layer of fat on our bellies. Having excess belly fat for an extended period of time is unhealthy. Fat in our bodies can release chemicals resulting in inflammation, thus increasing the chance of heart disease. Excess release of cortisol also leads to the down of your metabolism. Our body needs energy and so it becomes important to keep a proper diet- even during times of stress.
- Craving Fast Food:
When we are under the effects of anxiety or stress, we crave more food, especially junk food. Imagine yourself sitting on the couch with a bag of potato chips and munching away without any worry of getting fat. There is both a psychological and biological reason behind this craving. We often find a lack of time to prepare and little mental energy given towards eating healthy food. This is largely seen in urban cities where work life takes a larger toll and the percentage of people with stress is higher. Fast foods are predators and our stressed out minds give up, resulting in weight gain.
Read : 5 FACTORS AFFECTING WEIGHT LOSS
- Sleep Constraints:
Do you ever stay up late due to work and personal issues? According to research, worry is a major cause of insomnia which affects our overall body. To stay awake and keep our minds functioning, we drink coffee or alcohol which makes us feel better. This certainly adds to weight gain. Lack of sleep also disrupts the chemicals ghrelin and leptin, which control your appetite. Having no control over your appetite ultimately contributes to weight gain.
It’s not that you cannot control your hunger or stress. Following the right exercise routine and keeping a healthy diet are some ways to bring down your weight. If you are finding it hard to work on your stress and food intake, then contact your nearest weight loss center to get a valuable consultation.
The post 4 Ways that Stress Leads to Weight Gain appeared first on Dr. Dirk Johns - Weight Loss Professional at New England Fat Loss.
This post first appeared on Helpful Tips For Keeping Your Weight Loss Resolutions, please read the originial post: here
