Stress could be one of the culprits for adding extra pounds to your body. Scientists have confirmed association between long term stress and weight gain. Researchers have found that chronic stress trigger people to consume high calorie “comfort foods.”
Cortisol levels rise during stress. Increased levels of cortisol cause higher insulin levels which then cause blood sugar to drop. People tend to crave for high calorie foods when their blood sugar drops. People during stress are more likely to eat cookies, cheese or other high calorie foods instead of salad or a banana.
Eating can be a source of relief and can lower stress, says Jason Perry Block, MD, an assistant professor of population medicine at Harvard. This happens in response to food that might have a direct calming effect.
Pamela Peeke, MD, assistant professor of medicine at University of Maryland says, your body misinterprets that calories have been used to deal with your stress, when in fact, it have not been used. Your body then thinks you need to replace those calories resulting in pounds accumulation.
More stress = more cortisol= increase calorie consumption= obesity
It is completely impossible to get rid of stress. So, why not embrace some good habits to reduce your stress level such as meditation, exercise, music, interacting with people.