Stress & Weight Loss

Stress has become a very unavoidable part of daily modern life, but chronic stress  has adverse physiological effects on the body. Among the symptoms of stress weight gain is one of them. Therefore it is mandatory to look for ways to manage and properly understand the connection between stress and weight gain. While it may seem counterintuitive, stress can actually lead to weight gain, even if you’re eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. We at Weight Loss Revolution are dedicated to educating and providing you with solutions to your weight loss problems , therefore, in this article we will explore the reasons for weight gain with stress and also look for ways to manage it.

The Stress-Weight Gain Cycle

At Weight Loss Revolution, it has come to attention through patients that stress can lead to weight gain, and weight gain can lead to more stress. This creates a vicious cycle that’s hard to break. The emotional toll of weight gain can lead to low self-esteem , depression, and anxiety, making it even harder to manage stress and achieve a healthy weight.

Cortisol Hormone

According to our experts at Weight Loss Revolution share that, when you experience stress,  your body’s “fight or flight” response is triggered, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones prepare our body to respond to the stressor, but they also have a secondary effect on our metabolism and appetite. Cortisol, increases appetite and cravings for high-fat, sugary foods. 

The energy produced is stored in case the body needs to use it quickly. A hormone called Corticotropin Releasing Hormone or CRH, that is responsible for controlling appetite is not produced enough due to cortisol that makes a person eat more than he or she normally does.

Insulin and Leptin

Experts at Weight Loss Revolution shared that chronic stress can disrupt the body’s natural hormonal balance, leading to increased levels of insulin and decreased levels of leptin, the “fullness” hormone. This makes you feel hungrier and more likely to overeat, even when we’re not physically hungry, which can result in weight gain. Furthermore high levels of cortisol leads to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin. This can cause higher blood sugar levels and increase fat storage, particularly around the abdomen.

Emotional Eating and Sleep Quality

People deal with emotions differently while some people might refrain from eating anything at times of emotional stress. On the other hand, others might do the opposite. Stress often leads to emotional eating, where you consume food as a way to cope with negative emotions. This can result in eating even when you’re not hungry, often leading to the consumption of high-calorie comfort foods. Stress often leads to poor sleep quality, which further disrupts our hormonal balance and metabolism, making it even harder to lose weight. 

Tips To Manage Weight Loss & Stress

Here are some ways to break the stress-weight gain cycle as advised by doctors at Weight Loss Revolution. Here are some tips to help you  manage stress and achieve a healthier weight:

• Practise stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
• Get enough sleep each night (7-9 hours for adults).
• Eat a well balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
• Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, such as walking or jogging.
• Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist to help manage stress and emotions.

Stress and weight gain are intimately connected, and managing stress is crucial to achieving a healthy weight. By understanding the science behind stress and weight gain, and incorporating stress-reducing techniques into our daily routine, we can break the cycle and achieve a healthier, happier life. In case you are having trouble breaking the cycle it is advised to get help from reputable experts in weight loss, like our qualified doctors at Weight Loss Revolution.

Bibliography

1. Weber, B. (2023, August 29). Stress and weight gain: The connection and how to manage it. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/stress-and-weight-gain
2. Weight loss: Gain control of emotional eating. (2022, December 2). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art-20047342
3. Scott, E., PhD. (2022, November 16). How stress can cause weight gain. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-stress-can-cause-weight-gain-3145088#:~:text=Cortisol%20and%20Sugar%20Cravings&text=This%20energy%20is%20stored%20mainly,more%20sugar%2C%20gain%20more%20weight.
4. Wellness, T. (2021, September 23). Break the vicious cycle of stress and weight gain. The Wellness Corner. https://www.thewellnesscorner.com/blog/understanding-the-stress-hormone-and-weight-gain
5. How too much stress can cause weight gain (and what to do about it). (n.d.). https://www.orlandohealth.com/content-hub/how-too-much-stress-can-cause-weight-gain-and-what-to-do-about-it