Weight gain due to stress: Your body experiences a rush of energy as a result of cortisol’s stimulation of your fat and carbohydrate metabolism. While necessary for survival, this process also makes you hungrier. In addition, high cortisol levels can make you crave salty, fatty, and sweet foods. As a result, you’re more likely to enjoy a well-balanced meal than french fries and a milkshake.
Can stress cause weight gain?
Whenever you are under stress, your body goes into fight or flight mode, which causes it to release the hormone adrenaline, which helps you to move away from the imaginary threat that you are worrying about. are experiencing. Your body also releases glucose, often referred to as sugar, into your bloodstream to help you gain energy to deal with this threat.
The hormone cortisol kicks in to give you extra energy to deal with the threat as your adrenaline kicks in and your blood sugar levels begin to drop.
Are there other ways that stress can lead to weight gain?
Stress can affect your cortisol levels, but it can also lead to other harmful habits that, if left unchecked, can lead to weight gain. to name a few:
– emotional eating
– binge eating
– eat fast food
– drinking more alcohol
– skipping meals
– reducing exercise
– less sleep
How to reduce the increased weight due to stress?
Here are some strategies to prevent or reduce the extra weight you may have put on as a result of stress.
– focus on exercise
– Cook a healthy twist on your comfort foods
– Keep a Food Journal
– Conscious Eating Habits
– keep yourself hydrated
– Prioritize your sleep
– Self-care in your daily life
Overall, it is important to note that there is no magic solution to high stress. The best ways to lower these dangerous hormone levels that are elevated as a result of stress include exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation.