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.