How Stress Can Cause Weight Gain

Cortisol slows down your metabolism, decreasing your ability to lose weight.

Researchers found that women who reported one or more stressors burned fewer calories than non-stressed women. Stressed women also had higher insulin levels, resulting in fat storage.

• Emotional eating: Excess nervous energy can cause you to eat more than necessary.
• Eating "accessible" or fast food: When stressed, we often eat what is readily available, which is often unhealthy options—for example, eating fast-food instead of cooking a balanced meal.
• Exercising less: With too much stress, exercise is often the last thing on your list to do.
• Skipping meals: With too much on your plate, you may find yourself skipping meals.
• Sleeping less: Many people are unable to sleep well when they're stressed. Sleep deprivation is linked to a slower metabolism and can also reduce willpower.

• Make exercise a priority. It can reduce stress and regulate stress-related weight gain.
• Eat healthier comfort foods, such as air-popped popcorn.
• Practice mindful eating. Focus on what you're eating without distractions such as your phone or the TV.
• Keep a food journal. Being more aware of what you eat could improve your eating habits.
• Drink more water. We often confuse thirst for hunger. If you eliminated mild dehydration and you still feel hungry, then grab a healthy snack.
• Incorporate stress-relief strategies such as reading a good book, taking a deep breath, listening to music, or going for a daily walk.