Will Stress Cause Weight Gain?

The human body responds to stress by taking on a fight or flight position. We either stand toe to toe with whatever it is that is threatening us, or we run from it in an attempt to escape the threat we determine is associated with the situation or event. When we enter the fight or flight mode, our body ‘summons the troops’ from within, readying the necessary forces by increasing the production of certain needed hormones. It also has the other non-essential ‘troops’ take a breather as it musters everything needed into the parts that are going to be needed. So while the production of some hormones is revved up, the slowing or shutting down of those not needed also occur until we are through the stressful event.

Researchers now know that cortisol is the hormone involved in our appetite. Chronic stress, which puts our bodies in a state of continuous readiness and alertness, can lead to an imbalance in the production of cortisol, which impacts appetite. So, overeating is most definitely a potential bi-product of stress due to the increased or decreased production of cortisol.

Studies show that cortisol production is affected by suppressing appetite in many people in the short term in most cases. Still, the odds are it has the opposite effect when prolonged, as in situations when stress is more chronic, a condition that keeps our hormones in more of a state of elevation over longer periods of time.

Studies show that 42 percent of people who responded to the American Psychological Society’s “Stress in America” survey consider themselves to be ‘stress eaters.’  Signs of stress eating are noted by eating at times of feeling overwhelmed or in hopes of making us feel better, not necessarily related to eating due to being hungry. And while experiencing these times occasionally is not problematic, if you find yourself turning to food as your solace or go-to during times when life seems out of control and stress is on the increase, it could be the signs of stress-related eating problems that can have significant impacts on your overall health.