The Role of Stress in Weight Gain
We must look at the role of stress in weight gain to begin to understand and deal with the problem. Obesity and stress levels are both skyrocketing. 68% of adults are considered to be overweight or obese. Some say a whopping 97% of people who lose weight regain it. It is clear, the way we define diets is wrong. A recent article in the New York Times states “there is no single answer” The article did not mention stress, and we cannot stress enough the role stress plays in weight gain which has clearly risen to epidemic proportions. According to a research source, a study done in 2016 reported that 77% of people report regularly experiencing stress. A survey done by the American Psychological Association, 43% of people polled report using food to deal with stress. Stress can also lead to insomnia another big problem that can cause weight gain. Sleep deprivation interrupts the production of the hormones that stimulate hunger and satiation.
That is one of the reasons why The Nirvana Diet is so effective; it is designed to help you deal with the stress you experience in your life. If you have issues with your job, money, relationships, and or health, you are under stress. That is why you cannot just follow a diet; you must learn how to deal with the issues that underlie your eating and weight gain. Chronic stress not only makes you hungrier but also triggers the release of chemicals, adrenaline and cortisol, that increase insulin and cause you to feel wired, crave sugary unhealthy foods dis-enabling your willpower. We tend to call them unfortunately comfort foods, but they are really junk food. In summary, the more stress you have, the more cortisol gets produced, which leads to a bigger appetite for more junk food and more calories stored as fat.
Finally, obesity is one of the biggest causes of what is called a lifestyle induced illness. People who get these illnesses including so called psychiatric disorders are often given medications that cause weight gain. These medications are given to treat diabetes, seizure disorders, beta blockers, lower blood pressure and suppress the immune system. Dr. Stephen O’Rahailly, head of the department of clinical biochemistry at Cambridge University blames it on the genes we inherit. If that were the case, why is it that obesity began to skyrocket after the 1960’s? The latest research suggests that lifestyle changes can overcome much of the risk for which our DNA might be responsible. In other words, lifestyle changes are potentially more powerful, and healthier than relying on drugs. It is time to understand the role stress plays in weight gain and how lifestyle changes that reduce stress are critical.
That is why I created Creative Mindfulness. I recommend people address their stress before they even embark on a weight loss program. It is clear the problem has many roots; most importantly I found was the role of stress. That is why many of the proven antidotes to stress are part of this process that includes doing the right exercise, mindfulness, meditation, journaling and listening to guided hypnotic meditations that encourage you to adopt healthier habits.
Please let me know what your greatest challenge is about achieving a lifestyle change?
By Skyler Madison.
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