Researchers at the University of Kentucky suggest that curbing stress is more important to weight loss than learning all of the best eating strategies. Sounds like a bit of a catch 22 situation doesn’t it?

Catch 22 situation?

A catch 22 situation has been described as a situation in which a desired outcome or solution is impossible to attain because of a set of inherently contradictory rules or conditions. The stress and weight gain situation is a perfect example.

When we are stressed out, especially over long periods of time, our bodies release copious amounts of the stress hormone cortisol. The “fight or flight” response, that is stand and fight or cut and run, is then triggered. The elevated levels of the stress hormone also slow down our metabolism and cause our blood sugar levels to drop to such an extent that we start craving sugary and fatty “comfort” foods to help us cope. Why? Because eating can be a source of solace and can lower stress.

Although stress can in the beginning sometimes suppress our appetites, long-term chronic stress actually boosts our hunger and causes emotional eating and weight gain. It even influences where most of the weight will go and leaves us stranded with that pesky “tyre” of fat around our waists.

Carrying around extra weight can in the long term make us more susceptible to other more serious health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and strokes.

Ticking time bomb

Researchers from the University of Kentucky point out that curbing stress, the probable cause of weight gain, is more important to weight loss than learning all of the best eating strategies. They warn that ignoring stress, calling it normal or trying to just push through it is dangerous; it’s like ignoring a ticking time bomb.

Danzae Pace describes stress as “the trash of modern life; we all generate it but if you don’t dispose of it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life”. And, may we add, make you fat!

If you think your weight gain can be attributed to your high and maybe long-standing stress levels, now is the time to do something about it. First of all try and identify your own particular stressors, be it work stress, family and relationship stress, financial concerns or the death or expected death of a loved one.

Now ask yourself the following three questions:

  1. Is this a short-term issue that will eventually go away, or not?
  2. Is there anything I can do to control this issue or should I just concentrate on controlling my response to it?
  3. Am I able to set limits for myself or others that may help resolve the issue?

When you know what the big issues are that are stressing you out, you can start working on a plan to manage your stress and keep your weight down. Actively withstand your food cravings, watch your food portion sizes, switch to a healthy diet, get into the exercise habit, even if you only go for short brisk walks, get a good night’s sleep and do the things that make you happy and help you relax.

 

Sources

 

Breeze, J. 2016. Can stress cause weight gain? Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/diet/stress-weight-gain
Fetters, K. A. 2014. Eight mistakes stressed people make that lead to weight gain. Retrieved from: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/stress-and-weight-gain/slide/3
Scott, E. 2015. How stress can cause weight gain. Retrieved from: https://www.verywell.com/how-stress-can-cause-weight-gain-3145088
Totten, D. What is stressing you out? Retrieved from: www. Naturalmedicine.co.za-issue 91, january2013.