“If there is no solution to the problem then don't waste time worrying about it. If there is a solution to the problem then don't waste time worrying about it.” - Dalai Lama XIV
What's the first thing you do when your partner shouts at you? Might you run for a hot cup of coffee or a tea to relieve your frustration/stressor or maybe a big bowl of ice cream? Or loads of junk? - Yes, we all do that! It’s fight or flight reaction to stress.
Research studies prove that you tend to gain weight when you are experiencing acute stress (note- it again depends on your body type, few even lose weight, but comparatively lesser population) and here I give you an answer to Why it happens so?
When you're stressed both your mind and body crave for food, hence your hunger increases and you tend to overeat or sometimes even binge eat. During tension-filled times our stress hormone cortisol levels increase. This can turn your overeating into a habit. Increased levels of the hormone can lead to higher insulin levels, your blood sugar drops and you crave for sweets, cheesy foods or anything that is junk.
You indulge yourself in emotional eating, you eat more calories than you can burn and more often it is unhealthy food like fried, fatty and sweets. This, in turn, leads to a feeling of low about self as you have consumed unhealthy food and it becomes a vicious cycle.
Depression from overeating leads to more overeating in an effort to feel good. In this way, stress and/or unhappiness can directly relate to gaining unwanted weight. Weight gain might cause stress and stress again lead to weight gain. This vicious cycle continues till you decide to break free if you don't then it is very dangerous.
What can you do to avoid overeating during stress?
Here is the answer to it.
- Avoid junk: Stay away from food with lots of cheese, fat, processed food, aerated drinks, alcohol, and sweets which cause obesity.
- Eat healthily: Consume food which is rich in vitamins, folic acid, and minerals. Eat fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables
- Eat right: It is okay to eat 5 times a day in sensible portion. Do not skip meals as this produces cortisol.
- Exercise: Exercise regularly, but do not overdo it, as too much of exercise also increases cortisol
- Sleep well: Lack of sleep induces both physical and mental stress. Good sleep can act as a form of treatment for stress.
- Identify triggers: Identifying your triggers to stress is the first step in fighting it.
Contact at Cadabam’s Hospitals to get more information about stress and weight gain and its related issues. Or, book an appointment with our specialist regarding the same at @+91 97414 76476.
