STRESSED INTO WEIGHT GAIN
Don't let tough times lead you into weight gain. Instead of reaching for sweets and snacks, get into enjoyable and relaxing activities.
By Marie Dufour, RD - Stress from job-related demands, difficulty paying bills, or depression and anxiety can lead to weight gain. While women are more stressed by family relationships and perceived life constraints, men are more affected by stress in the workplace (i.e. lack of decision authority).
This relationship between stress and weight gains seem to have no effect on people who are already thin, but affect more individuals with higher BMI.
WHY? Science has no definite answer. Perhaps the stress hormone cortisol slows down the metabolism and stores excess energy as abdominal fat. Perhaps there is a tug of war between our appetite-stimulant and appetite-suppressant hormones. Perhaps it is behavioral. "Stress-eaters" have a tendency to reach for the cupboard or the refrigerator in search of something that will make them feel better. On the contrary, "stress-fasters" are unable to eat anything when they feel under a load of stress. What, if anything, drive these behaviors is yet unknown.
So, what do we do? Let's address the problem at the root and reduce stress. Do what we can to solve our problems on the job, at home, and in our relationships: working toward a solution is a positive step and a partial stress relief. For immediate stress relief, however, here are a few tips:
- engage in physical activity: it releases endorphins and burns calories;
- practice yoga, tai-chi, or any activity that helps you feel in control of your body and mind;
- take a bath, listen to your favorite music, do something pleasurable… that does not involve eating or drinking.
These are small steps that, if taken daily, help us in feeling in control, decrease our stress, and ultimately lead to weight control.
reference: Block JP, et al "Psychosocial stress and change in weight among US adults" Am J Epidemiol 2009; DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwp104.
This relationship between stress and weight gains seem to have no effect on people who are already thin, but affect more individuals with higher BMI.
WHY? Science has no definite answer. Perhaps the stress hormone cortisol slows down the metabolism and stores excess energy as abdominal fat. Perhaps there is a tug of war between our appetite-stimulant and appetite-suppressant hormones. Perhaps it is behavioral. "Stress-eaters" have a tendency to reach for the cupboard or the refrigerator in search of something that will make them feel better. On the contrary, "stress-fasters" are unable to eat anything when they feel under a load of stress. What, if anything, drive these behaviors is yet unknown.
So, what do we do? Let's address the problem at the root and reduce stress. Do what we can to solve our problems on the job, at home, and in our relationships: working toward a solution is a positive step and a partial stress relief. For immediate stress relief, however, here are a few tips:
- engage in physical activity: it releases endorphins and burns calories;
- practice yoga, tai-chi, or any activity that helps you feel in control of your body and mind;
- take a bath, listen to your favorite music, do something pleasurable… that does not involve eating or drinking.
These are small steps that, if taken daily, help us in feeling in control, decrease our stress, and ultimately lead to weight control.
reference: Block JP, et al "Psychosocial stress and change in weight among US adults" Am J Epidemiol 2009; DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwp104.