How stress affects your weight loss goals

Believe it or not but stress can add kilos and make you fat. Here's how.

By: Akansha Jhalani | | Updated: September 25, 2014 4:40 pm

The hassles of modern day life keep us constantly under grinding pressure that makes stress a part of our daily routine. Daily chores, making the most out of our day, distractions, pressure at office or responsibilities can trigger stress in no time. Our body has a systemic response when it is succumbed to stress. Though stress is not all bad, it can affect our body and also hamper weight loss if it is constant.

Relationship between weight gain and stress

Stress hormones released by our body namely testosterone, cortisol, norepinephrine and epinephrine has profound effect on your body and its weight. When under stress, your body has a set programme of chemical responses. Under stress, your body releases certain hormones called stress hormones that prepare you to ‘flight or fight’. The release of these hormones by our body spikes up our heart rate, increases blood pressure, fastens breathing, tightens muscles and accentuates senses. All these changes can cause harm to every system in your body if it is frequent or persistent and can and sabotage your weight loss goals as it stimulates appetite and contributes to weight gain.

Stress and metabolism

Cortisol, the stress hormone, is known to slow down your body metabolism. So if stress persists frequently, your body will not be able to burn as many calories as it should. Even if you modify your eating patterns to aid weight loss, all your efforts would go in vain.

Stress and cravings

Nobody reaches out for a healthy smoothie when under stress. Stress makes you nibble on those high-calorie, high-fat, sugary and salty snacks that may help you curb your emotions but hold no nutrition value whatsoever. This in no time becomes a pattern, you don’t eat because you are hungry, you eat because you are under stress.

Stress and fat deposition

The stress hormone cortisol enhances the fat deposition in the body, especially in the abdominal region. Being under constant stress does not reflect well on your body as you may be packing in some extra pounds.

Stress and blood sugar

Stress causes spikes in your blood sugar level that can make you feel weak, lethargic, cause mood swings and bring fatigue. This may sabotage your weight loss goals and predispose you to a risk of several disorders.

Even if you are eating a balanced, healthy diet, exercising regularly and looking out for specific weight loss results, the manifestation of stress can impede your health goals.

How to keep stress at an arm’s length

Stress can creep upon you anytime and you need to be aware of when it’s happening. Be mindful to learn and observe when you get hit by stress and the factors causing it. Everybody have different triggers that cause stress and a different threshold. Try exercise, practise the art of meditation, listen to music or indulge in any pleasurable activity.

Image source: Getty Images

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Published: September 4, 2014 3:01 pm | Updated:September 25, 2014 4:40 pm

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