The Stress Effect and Why It Causes Weight Gain and Other Complications

Photo byEnvato Elements Purchased Image License JV43NW9HUC

Stress is a normal and inevitable part of life, but chronic, long-term stress negatively impacts both our physical and mental health. When we are triggered by past experiences and memories and feel heightened negative emotions, we go into a state of fight or flight. This was initially intended to keep us safe from sudden impending doom, but today, our bodies produce cortisol when we get emotionally triggered, which slows metabolism.

The problem with weight gain from stress is that it further amplifies and compounds the stress and causes a negative downward spiral, affecting self-esteem and quality of life. It is essential to practice stress management and learn better coping skills than turning to food or harmful substances.

How Stress Causes Weight Gain

• Stress interferes with our ability to self-regulate and practice discipline.
• Increases hormones that cause us to eat more.
• Comfort eating causes us to crave foods high in sugar and fat.
• Stress disrupts sleep.
• It depletes our energy, which makes exercise daunting.
• Stress slows our digestive tract. When we are calm, we rest and digest, but when stressed, it causes constipation and nausea.

Other Complications from Chronic Stress

The same hormones that slow our metabolism also cause high blood pressure. When we go into fight or flight, most people experience sweating and rapid heartbeat, and we literally feel our blood pressure elevating. Chronic stress can lead to heart failure, heart attacks, and even stroke.

Weight gain adds pressure to the joints, limiting mobility and the desire to exercise.

Weight gain also puts pressure on the lungs. This pressure can lead to sleep apnea. This makes a good night's sleep more difficult to achieve and can affect your significant other's sleep as well. Relationship and health problems both compound the stress, and it is a vicious cycle.

Remedies for Weight Gain When Stressed

• Practice mindfulness. Avoid mindless eating and snacking throughout the day.
• Practice relaxation techniques to manage stress. Rest, meditation, and yoga are great relaxation practices.
• Drink more water. Sometimes, we mistake thirst for hunger.
• Keep fresh fruits and veggies on hand when the urge to snack arises.
• Limit the quantity of unhealthy foods consumed with cravings.

Final Thoughts

Pause and reflect before eating. Ask yourself, am I really hungry? Practicing self-control will help manage stress and reduce weight gain. When having a craving, pause and practice a time-out to do something you enjoy, such as reading or taking a walk instead of eating, even if it is only a few minutes.

Be mindful of self-talk when stressed, practice gratitude, and set SMART goals. Saying positive affirmations and journaling are also helpful in reducing stress and rewiring the subconscious mind.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. The body and mind are intricately connected. I genuinely hope it helps you realize the effects of stress and allows you to live your best life. You are worthy of a happy, healthy life.

Peace & Light,

Libby