Stress Management and Weight Loss

Submitted by Loring A. Windblad on February 23, 2010

Chronic Stress Management Tips And Tactics

The adrenal gland in our body produces cortisol a hormone which is known to cause weight gain. This hormone is referred to as the stress hormone. Recent research has shown that when our bodies produce too much of cortisol this results in gain weight gain with or without changes to our eating habits. This is mainly seen around the waist and midsection of our body. When a person’s body is under significant stress especially during a fight or flight reaction this hormone is produced.

Chronic stress in the body has to be reduced to get rid of that “spare tire” around the waist and hips.

A person who is living in a state of chronic stress can gain weight regardless of the food one is eating. Even if you have a sound diet and exercise regime it can get derailed because of stress.

If a person remains in the state of chronic stress for a long time his health may be at risk.
Chronic stress can cause weight gain in the following ways, too much of cortisol in the body can cause a metabolism to slow down which in turn can cause weight gain this in turn makes dieting more difficult.

Too much stress in the body has known to cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels this in turn causes mood swings, fatigue and hyperglycemia which is a symptom and cause of diabetes where sugar levels are elevated.

Also people who are stressed tend to eat more salty sugary and fatty foods. This in turn leads to weight gain. Increased cortisol levels can not cause you to eat unhealthy but also more than what would have normally been consumed.

Research has also found that fast food from outside is chosen more frequently than eating healthy meals at home.

Lastly people under stress generally postpone or find themselves too busy to do exercise. There are various ways in which a person can relieve stress; some of them include avoiding procrastinating. Get jobs assigned done as soon as possible without keeping it for later which then starts building stress in the body. Getting regular exercise from yoga to taking a walk to spending time on the treadmill every day will help to relieve and avoid stress.

This is because physical activity is found to release endorphins in the brain which act as natural mood lifters. Instead of food if simple stress management techniques are used a person can not only lose weight but also stay healthy and have a better outlook to life.