Gaining weight through stress while wanting to lose weight

Gaining weight due to stress while you want to lose weight

The pressure to look good and live healthy is only increasing these days. It is very ironic, but the stress that many experience because of this can actually cause you to gain weight. Stress is a fattener. In this blog we discuss the difference between acute and chronic stress, and why stress can contribute to weight gain. Moreover, we share some tips to deal with this.

Types of stress

The two most common types of stress are acute and chronic stress. With acute stress, for example, you are startled by a car passing by or you feel more pressure due to a deadline at work. In some cases, this form of stress can help you function better and give you the motivation you need.

This may, for example, be the result of persistent financial problems, health problems or family conflicts. It is this long-term type of stress that can have a negative impact on our weight.

Stress and hormones

One of the main ways in which (chronic) stress affects our body is through our hormones. When we are stressed, our body produces more cortisol. This is also called the stress hormone. 

An optimal amount of cortisol is essential for the human body, because it regulates various bodily functions, such as our metabolism, immune system and response to stress. But too much cortisol can lead to health problems, including weight gain. When your cortisol level is persistently elevated, it can lead to a slowdown in your metabolism and an increase in fat storage, especially around the abdomen. In this way, stress can contribute to weight gain.

Why do you gain weight due to stress?

You can gain weight due to stress. This is of course not necessary, but it is a possibility. But why does this make you gain weight? We have just explained to you that during stress the substance cortisol is produced, which allows more fat to be stored and therefore you can gain weight. Another common cause of weight gain due to stress is changes in appetite and eating habits. Under the influence of stress, the urge for unhealthy food often increases, especially sweet and fatty foods. There are also people who eat more during stressful periods, causing them to consume more calories than they need. This leads to weight gain.

Less motivation and energy

Stress can make it harder to stay motivated and find energy for healthy habits. During stressful times, we often prefer to relax on the couch instead of exercise, and we find it difficult to make healthy eating choices. Moreover, we are less able to maintain good habits such as regular exercise and healthy eating because we simply have less energy. This lack of motivation and energy can lead to weight gain, even when we are actually trying to lose weight.

Disturbed night's sleep

What is also very annoying is that too much stress can prevent you from sleeping well. If you do not fall asleep well, cannot sleep uninterruptedly or even cannot sleep anymore, this can also cause you to gain weight. Lack of sleep can disrupt the hunger and satiety hormones, causing your appetite to increase and you to have less control over your food intake. When you experience a disturbed night's sleep due to stress, you can no longer function properly. Ultimately you end up in a vicious circle that you will have to break.

Relax, but not with alcohol

Relaxation plays a crucial role in reducing stress and promoting weight loss. It can help reduce tension in your body and calm your mind, improving your ability to make healthy choices and achieve your diet and exercise goals. 

While it may be tempting to turn to alcohol as a form of relaxation, it's important to remember that alcohol consumption can have negative effects on both your health and your weight. In the long term, alcohol actually increases cortisol levels, which can make you gain weight more quickly. In addition, alcohol inhibits fat burning, increases appetite and reduces your inhibitions. 

Instead, there are plenty of other healthier ways to relax, such as meditation, yoga, walking in nature, listening to soothing music or reading a good book.

What can you do?

Almost everyone has experienced weight gain due to stress. Unfortunately, it can also be extremely difficult to lose weight when stress plays a major role in your life. In addition to paying attention to your diet, exercising enough and getting enough sleep, tackling stress is just as important if you want to lose weight. At Slimminglabs we offer various products that can help you experience more relaxation.

For example, take a look at our massage products that are not only good for relaxing, but are also nice for you muscles and joints. What can also help if you don't want to gain weight due to stress but want to lose weight is: weight loss supplements. Would you like to know more about our products?  Contact us and we are happy to assist you.