By Marie Dufour, RD – Researchers from Harvard found that stress from job-related demands, difficulty paying bills, or depression and anxiety led to weight gain. While women were more stressed by family relationships and perceived life constraints, men were more affected by stress in the workplace (i.e. lack of decision authority).
In the group of 1,355 individuals followed during 9 years, this stress-weight gain relationship only existed in individuals with a higher body mass index at the start. The relationship did not exist in those with lower BMI.
WHY? Researchers had no definite answer. Perhaps the stress hormone cortisol slows down the metabolism and shuttles the energy to abdominal fat formation. Perhaps there is a tug of war between the appetite-stimulant hormones glucocorticoids and ghrelin, and the appetite-suppressant hormone corticotrophin-releasing hormone and leptin.
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.
Filed under: diet , childhood obesity, community nutrition, diet, healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, healthy living, Marie Dufour RD, nutrition, stress, stress eating, weight control, weight loss
