When the body is stressed, it releases different hormones to help deal with the stress. One hormone affects the body in a “fight or flight reaction” by decreasing the appetite, and increasing the heart rate. Another hormone takes all the blood out of the digestive tract to put it into the muscles so the body can fight or flee. Too much stress then causes digestive problems, and an inability to metabolize food properly. Besides digestive difficulties, chronic stress results in additional weight gain.

Cortisol, another hormone, is produced during stress helps to balance blood sugar and insulin. When insulin levels drop during the stress response, the body looks to quickly replenish its energy stores. Low blood sugar causes a craving for sugar,  and/or carbohydrates. As insulin is released to move the newly consumed sugar into the cells, cortisol is released to balance the blood sugar levels. Any excess sugars are then stored away as body fat. Prolonged stress causes excess cortisol production, increases insulin production, weight gain, inflammation and more stress.

Stress may also affect weight gain in other ways. Aside from the effect of cortisol on the body, stress often leads to nervous energy. An increase in nervous energy in some people leads to nervous or emotional eating. In addition, stress is also largely associated with a lack of time. This lack of time may affect being able to prepare healthy meals, leading to an increase in fast food consumption, resulting in additional nutritional stress. Stress may also lead to less time to exercise, and then to a lack of sleep, thus creating a vicious cycle… 

What can you do?

Disclaimer: The recommendations in this article are not to be taken as medical advice. Please consult a qualified health care practitioner to obtain your own stress and/or hormone evaluation, and for specific recommendations on your personal health issues.