Can stress cause weight gain?
The mix of hormonal and psychological factors are responsible for weight gain. Long term or chronic stress triggers fight or flight response in our body and releases hormones like cortisol or"stress hormone" and adrenalin. Adrenalin level returns to normal with the stress or threatening event while cortisol hormone can increase over time during chronic stress.
Cortisol and weight gain
Cortisol stimulates the metabolism of fat and carbohydrate because cortisol is mainly associated with providing energy to the body. Additionally, it also raises the insulin level, body sugar drops and you crave for sugary and fatty food, this leads to increase consumption of unhealthy food which ultimately causes an increase in body weight.
Stress and elevated cortisol cause visceral fat deposition in the abdominal area rather than in the hips. The reason being that our belly has an ample supply of cortisol receptors. Abdominal fat is strongly linked with diseases like type 2 diabetes, strokes and heart attack.
Also, check Top diet hacks to lose belly fat
In addition to hormonal change, many people tend to eat to fulfill the psychological needs when they are in stress which may be another reason for weight gain.
According to the research in Ohio state university, stress causes a slower metabolism rate in woman. This leads to increase insulin level and less fat oxidation and cause storage of fat, as the large fat molecules are not burned adequately.
Stress leads to insomnia
Stress is one of the prime cause of insomnia. Sleep deprivation causes slower metabolism. Feeling overtired also reduce willpower and contribute to unhealthy eating habit.
People usually skip their work out when they are stressed additionally, mental stress inhibits muscle recovery and hence shortchanges the outcome of any exercise you do.
Tips to reduce chronic stress
Meditate
Meditation helps you to clear your mind and relieve the ongoing stress in your life.
Plan for a trip
Traveling and enjoying with friends and family makes your mind fresh and helps to deal with mental stress.
Reading books also helps to divert mind and relieve mental tension.
Talk with family or friends if you are tensed, it's always good to speak and share about your problems with someone.