Researchers have reviewed a number of studies which have showed that weight gain and cortisol, which is the stress hormone, levels were noticeably higher in people who became fatter because of stress. Essentially, what is seen is that high cortisol levels make you put on weight more easily. The researchers believe that stress and obesity reinforce each other through positive feedback. Consider the vicious cycle of getting fatter which can potentially trigger the stress response, which than in turn encourages additional weight gain.
As your weight goes up, the body comes under stress. This response reinforces the weight gain, therefore making you even fatter. And an issue with dieting is that it can stimulate cortisol production, which can in turn trigger the stress response. What this all means is that it may be helpful to bust apart the stress pattern if you want to stop gaining weight. A good herbal option for dealing with stress is Panax ginseng, which has some evidence behind it helping to fight stress. Multivitamins/minerals are also seen as “adaptogens,” which help the body respond to stress in a healthy manner. Meditation can also help deal with stress naturally.
Photographer: photostock
