Stress is the body’s response to anything that threatens the individual’s physical or psychological stability. The onset of stress is a crucial time period. During that time, physical and mental symptoms develop. The symptoms serve as an alarm in order for the individual to take action and manage or eliminate the stress. The body releases the hormone cortisol to relay this alarm.
Stress and Physical Activity
Stress is interpreted by the body as a threat. In response, the cortisol that is released will orchestrate different chemical reactions in the body that are meant to assist the individual in a fight or flight response. One reaction the hormone orchestrates is gluconeogeneis. This process raises the blood sugar so that the body has enough energy to run. It is meant for good, but the effects are negative. Many people are not aware that their bodies interpret stress as a danger. This is why they do not respond with exercise routines or other stress relievers. This mistake leads to weight gain, mood swings and other hormonal imbalances that cause even more stress. After some time, the impact of these changes trickle over to other parts of their lives. The domino effect causes them to respond poorly to other disturbances by making them more sensitive. Most people don’t even consider exercising at a point like this.
The Metabolism and Poor Eating Habits
Mood swings lead to mild depression. Binge eating and other poor eating habits that are related to bad emotions are a common method people use to combat the effect of mood swings. The effect stress has on the metabolism is another reason weight gain is inevitable. Cortisol slows down the phases that make up the metabolism. When the catabolic and anabolic phases are disturbed, the body does not burn sugar efficiently. This along with the increased blood sugar levels from gluconeogenesis work together to cause weight gain. In some cases, it can lead to obesity.
Stress and Body Fat
Stress has a direct relationship with abdominal bloating and fat storage. Fat in the abdomen area is a health risk and can lead to type 2 diabetes. It also puts one at risk for high blood pressure and heart disease. Wounds can sometimes take longer to heal at this point. The body’s immunity to illnesses decreases. Hyperglycemia and metabolic syndrome can develop too. The prolonged presence of cortisol decreases muscle tissue and bone density. Thyroid problems are also common in people who suffer from stress. It also reduces cognitive skills. The longer cortisol remains in the body, the higher the health risk.
Stress is more than feeling exhausted, overwhelmed or anxious. It leads to weight gain and other health problems. Weight is the most common among them. Most people don’t understand where weight problem most likely come from. This makes them more susceptible to the impact stress has on the body. Knowing what exactly leads to the increase in weight is crucial to combat stress and keep living with optimal health.
Sean Campbell is a blogger for Bariatrx, a clinic that provides weight loss surgery in NJ. He enjoys blogging about weight loss, dieting, and different weight loss procedures.
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