Is stress making you fat?
Tuesday 24 June 2008
We all know the obvious culprits that pile on the lbs. Sugar, refined carbs, lack of exercise…the list seems endless. But have you ever considered that your stress levels could be contributing to your weight?
We’re not talking about that chocolate bar you tuck into whenever work gets crazy or the bottle of wine you sink when your boyfriend stands you up either (although studies have shown that women under stress ate 20% more chocolate offered to them than those in a relaxed situation).
Nope, stress can actually cause a biological change in the way our bodies deal with food. Research at the University of California in San Francisco found that our bodies tend to store, rather than utilise food when we are stressed.
Out of 160 women tested between 30 and 46 years old, those with the biggest waist measurements reported the highest levels of stress while another research project conducted by Dr Pamela Peeke discovered that hormones secreted during times of stress are instrumental in causing more fat to be stored, especially around the tummy.
This all stems back to our basic need to survive and the fact our bodies are programmed to crave food and store fat when they feel we might be under threat, which is recognised as stress by the body.
So the message is clear; to help stay slim, try and stay calm. Here are a few simple tips to keep stress at bay:
Take regular breaks at work- Spending just 5 minutes away from your desk every hour and taking a proper lunch break outside of the office can work wonders on your stress levels
Have a massage- whether you book yourself into a spa, give a DIY massage a go or rope in your other half to help, massage it a great way of relaxing at the end of the day. If you have a 10-minute massage before you prepare and eat your dinner you’re less likely to pig out to cope with your stress.
Make every day enjoyable- Even if you feel like you’re too busy to take time out and have fun make sure you include at least one enjoyable activity each day. Whether it’s meeting a friend for a smoothie, reading your book for half an hour or taking a bath, these simple pleasures all help in the battle of the bulge!
If you want some help losing weight then Closerdiets can give you personalised meal plans and expert advice.