Medical Health Encyclopedia

Stress can have varying effects on eating problems and weight.

Weight Gain. Often stress is related to weight gain and obesity. Many people develop cravings for salt, fat, and sugar to counteract tension and, thus, gain weight. Weight gain can occur even with a healthy diet, however, in some people exposed to stress. And the weight gained is often abdominal fat, a predictor of diabetes and heart problems. The release of cortisol, a major stress hormone, appears to promote abdominal fat and may be the primary connection between stress and weight gain. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid, and glucocorticoids, along with insulin, appear to be responsible for stress-related food cravings. A 2005 study showed that such hormonally induced cravings for “comfort foods” may have a biological benefit for managing stress. Ingestion of comfort foods appears to reduce the negative hormonal and behavioral changes associated with stress, which might lessen the impact of stress on an individual. However, the long-term health risks of carrying excess abdominal fat are significant.

Weight Loss. Some people suffer a loss of appetite and lose weight during periods of stress. In rare cases, stress may trigger hyperactivity of the thyroid gland, stimulating appetite but causing the body to burn up calories at a faster than normal rate.

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Eating Disorders. Chronically elevated levels of stress chemicals have been observed in patients with anorexia and bulimia. (Some studies, however, have not found any strong link between stress and eating disorders.) More work is needed to determine if changes in stress hormones are a cause or result of eating disorders.

Diabetes

Chronic stress has been associated with the development of insulin-resistance, a condition in which the body is unable to use insulin effectively to regulate glucose (blood sugar). Insulin-resistance is a primary factor in diabetes. Stress can also exacerbate existing diabetes by impairing the patient's ability to manage the disease effectively.

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