Can Stress Cause Weight Gain or Weight Loss?

Minimize stress and live a healthier life

Stress, be it in your job or personal life, can wreak havoc on you eating habits. When you are under stress, the balance of hormones in your body can change, leading to cravings, increased appetite or even a lack of appetite. Limited time, energy and motivation can also affect your physiological approach to food, as well as what types of food you eat and when you eat. Changes in weight due to stress vary greatly from person to person deepening on how they respond to stressful situations.

For some of us, the slightest hint of stress in our lives will have us reaching for the nearest chocolate bar; while full ongoing emotionally draining situations can see us plough throw a huge amount of unhealthy food. For others similar anxiety inducing situations can lead to skipping meals and loss of appetite. For this reason, stress in our lives can cause both weight gain or weight loss.

Stress and weight gain

The hormonal influence on weight gain

Stress can have more powerful effects on the human body than is often thought, producing changes in the function of the endocrine system and therefore on the hormones the body produces. Hormonally speaking, there are a number of reasons why stress can cause weight gain. When we are stressed, the body releases adrenalin, in addition to corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) and cortisol. This potent mix gives us an instant energy boost and may in fact decrease appetite at first; however, this effect is short lived. This system is a classic fight or flight response, however, in the past when we made have needed to physically fight or run from the cause of the stress, now we often do not expend this energy.

Cortisol is a longer lasting hormone than the other two and is thought to remain at elevated levels long after the cause of the stress has passed with the role of stimulating hunger so that energy consumed during the fight or flight can be replenished. This increase of appetite can lead to an increased intake of food, simply due to hunger, although we have not burnt the extra calories our body thinks we have. High levels of cortisol also tend to result in accumulation of fat around the abdominal area, which is thought to be the most dangerous in terms of increasing risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Carb Cravings

Ever found yourself lusting after a big bowl of pasta or something sweet when you are under stress? A craving for carbohydrates is a common response to stress hormones, as sugar is the quickest way to replenish muscles that would have been needed in the fight or flight response. Carbohydrates are broken down in the body to form sugar, which can then enter cells. To allow the uptake of sugar from the blood to cells in the body, we need insulin and high levels of blood sugar. These two when taken on a regular basis are known to be a cause of weight gain.

Comfort Eating

Whilst hormones have some effect on appetite and weight gain in the presence of stressful situations, to some degree the mind can also contribute to the amount and type of food we choose to eat. Carbohydrate craving due to stress may well have been induced originally due to elevated cortisol levels, however if you gave in to these cravings once, the body learns that there is some comfort in eating these types of foods. This in turn may lead to the development of an ongoing behavioural pattern. This can lead to a habit of turning to carbs whenever you are under stress.

To avoid this habit, which can result in weight gain over time, try to find other distractions or releases to alleviate stress instead of food.

The comfort eating gene

Recent research carried out in Israel has suggested the presence of a gene termed ‘The Comfort Eating Gene’. The gene is responsible for the production of a protein called urocortin-C, which is thought to have an effect on the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates in the body. It was suggested that the production of this protein was elevated during times of stress; however, this is speculation at this point as the research was carried out in genetically modified mice and has not been applied to humans as yet.

Bad food choices and lack of time

When we are under stress we are liable to make bad food choices in the name of cravings, comfort eating or even just lack of time. If we are very busy, it is tempting just to drop in at the local fast food joint for carb fix that takes ten minutes or throw a frozen pizza in the microwave, rather than to take time to shop for healthy ingredients, think of a meal and cook it. Over time, a diet of high fat refines carbohydrate and processed foods that lack nutrients can play a huge part in weight gain.

Lack of time can also mean there is no time to exercise, which means you are not burning the excess calories you are consuming and are more likely to gain weight.

Stress and weight loss

While some people gain weight due to stress, for others the total opposite effect takes place. In these people stress can result in drastic weight loss. Serious ongoing stress can lead to anxiety, which can often trigger unintentional weight loss. Anxiety can lead to a loss of appetite, abdominal pains, or a feeling of fullness soon after beginning to eat, resulting in less food intake.

Those who are under a lot of stress may simply forget to eat, due to putting food as a low priority compared to other events in their lives. This leads to skipping meals and often results in weight loss. If this is the case for you it is important to see a health professional as you are at risk of developing nutritional deficiencies which can have serious consequences for your health and also increase anxiety levels.

What to do to minimize stress and maintain your weight.

1. Exercise

This is a great way to relieve stress and burn calories. When you exercise, hormones are released that can counteract the stress hormones and make you feel better. They can also help to control insulin and blood sugar levels, which can serve to repress the appetite and stop cravings. However, it is important to be aware that excessive exercise can in fact increase cortisol levels, so choose an activity that is not too intensive and that you enjoy for the best stress relief.

2. Eat a balanced diet

A diet rich in a variety of foods from all food groups is the best way to keep your body and mind healthy. Try to make it easy for yourself by keeping healthy foods on hand that are easy to prepare. Foods such as frozen veggies are great as they can be kept for a long time and can quickly be defrosted for a healthy stir fry or soup in a hurry. To save time you could even try making large batches of healthy stews, soups or casseroles and freezing in individual portions for a quick, stress free meal when you have less time. Unsalted nuts also make a great nutritious snack on the run.

3. Don’t skip meals

Eating regular meals that contain complex carbohydrates is the best way to keep blood sugar levels constant, minimize cravings and avoid weight gain. Try to eat small frequent meals rather than less large ones and choose low GI options for the best blood sugar control.

4. Relax

Taking time to relax and do something for you is the best way to beat stress. So no matter how hectic your life gets always make time to do something you enjoy that distracts you from your everyday life. This time to unwind will help you gain perspective and make you less likely to turn to food for comfort.

5. Choose high fibre nutritious snacks

By snacking on nutritious, high fibre foods, you can curb those carb cravings without turning to unhealthy fattening foods. Fruit, wholegrain cereal or toast make great options that also provides nutrition.

6. Supplement vitamins

It is thought that stress can lead to depletion of some vitamins in the body, particularly if you are frequently missing meals, which leaves you at risk of deficiencies. Vitamins B and C and calcium and magnesium are the most at risk. A good multi-vitamin can help to restore the balance and keep you healthy despite the stress.

7. Avoid things that can increase stress

Caffeine, alcohol and smoking are all thought to lead to increased stress levels and cause a rise in cortisol. This produces the drop in blood sugar which leads to hunger and cravings and possible overeating, so avoid these substances if you are feeling stressed out.

8. Eat enough calories

It has been found that those who deprive themselves of too many calories in an effort to lose weight can induce a biochemical response in the body that in fact leads to increased hunger and stress levels. Extreme dieting is not the answer to stress related weight gain, instead follow a healthy, balanced diet and incorporate some exercise into your daily life.

References used in this article