Stress is Widely believed to have many adverse effects on health, from sleep deprivation to lack of motivation, spots and weight loss, stress is something everyone experiences at some point and is a very quick way to ruin good health. However there has been research of a new side effect of stress-the big belly.
We are aware stress can affect thoughts, behaviour and feelings but now it can affect appearance too. Obesity journal published a report based on experts from the University College of London who claimed that people suffering with long term stress may also be prone to gaining weight. The findings are based on an examination of hair samples to uncover levels of cortisol (a hormone that regulates the body’s response to stress). Exposure to high levels of stress, according to the results showed that over several months’ people being more heavily involved with stress were more persistently overweight.
Chronic stress occurs when a person has been exposed to large amounts of mental pressure over long periods of time. It is perceived in times especially when a person has no control over that situation they turn to comfort eating/emotional eating and this can be a leading factor in obesity levels and weight gain. The adrenal glands release cortisol when we are thrown into a stressful situation that can increase appetite and motivation to eat. Stress can also play havoc with hormones in general and this can in turn influence our metabolism and how our body copes with the intake of food we consume.
The latest research has been ongoing for four years and involved over 2,000 men and women; it was found that people with the highest levels of cortisol on average (found in hair strands) has the highest body mass index and therefore showed evidence and tendencies of being at risk of gaining weight.