How does stress cause weight gain?
Succeeding in a professional meeting, organizing a first romantic encounter, meeting the needs of children… The requests are numerous and can lead to a more or less permanent state of anxiety depending on the case.
The onset of physical symptoms then becomes difficult to manage. Are stress and weight gain related? How to manage your anxieties without gaining weight?
The different phases
Stress is often characterized by the general public as a vague concept leading to a feeling of unease. However, a real biological reaction, it appears following an external, psychic or sensory stimulation.
It is defined by three distinct phases : alarm, resistance and exhaustion.
The shock phase
The shock phase occurs when the stressor is received. The heart rate increases , the muscles tense up and the blood sugar level drops. To deal with this situation, the nervous system sends a message to the hypothalamus which, through its action on the adrenal medulla, releases adrenaline.
It then provides the body with the energy it needs by increasing the rate of the heart and facilitating the release of sugar from the liver. At this stage, memory and thinking are enhanced . Your pupils dilate and you have better vision.
The resistance phase
The magnetic waves emitted by the magnets in the sole help reduce fat in the body. During the junction, there is an interaction between the foot and several organs .
These include the stomach, liver, intestines, endocrine glands and pancreas.
The exhaustion phase
During the phase of exhaustion , the anxiety persists and the body no longer has the necessary resources to deal with it.
Immune defenses weaken , extreme tension sets in and fatigue takes root. In case of chronic stress, that is to say lasting over time, a depressive feeling can develop .
The impact on the body
Do you know that unpleasant lump in your stomach ? It is your body that physically interprets your perception of the stressful situation encountered.
The digestive system is incredibly complex and intelligent. Rich with millions of nerve cells , stress very often has an impact on the gastrointestinal tract.
Pervasive nausea, diarrhea or constipation are all symptoms that can occur.
It’s not always easy to cook a balanced meal after a long day at work. Generally, we feel the urge to go for fatty or sugary foods instead .
They are quick to prepare and provide a pleasant feeling of well-being which, at first glance, seems to have a positive impact on our anxiety. In reality, it is the reward system that is at fault.
By eating foods that we find appetizing, the body releases dopamine to fight off tension-related neurochemicals.
This feeling of well-being is a veritable vicious circle. Since we are stressed, we comfort ourselves with fatty or sugary foods that make us feel better.
However, we end up gaining weight because of this poor diet. Stress and weight gain are very often associated. Obesity is then the result of a stressful life that is difficult to manage.
Actions to take on a daily basis
The first step to freeing yourself from this state is to find the source . Once this step is completed, you can adopt means to remedy it.
Does someone around you keep creating tension in your home? Walk away or try to end your relationship. Are you overworked at your job? Whenever possible, delegate tasks that you cannot handle to your colleagues.
Fears and troubles are often a matter of perceptions . By working on your way of seeing things, you play down situations that seem distressing to you.
It is not always possible to control all aspects of our life. By accepting it, you will direct your energy towards more concrete actions. Do not hesitate to call on a specialist to help you see things more clearly.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.