How Does Stress Affect Weight? The Hidden Connection Between Your Mind and Body
You've been eating the same foods and following your usual routine, yet the scale keeps creeping up. Sound familiar? The culprit might not be what's on your plate—it could be what's on your mind. Chronic stress doesn't just affect your mood; it fundamentally alters how your body processes food, stores fat, and manages weight. Understanding this mind-body connection is the key to breaking free from stubborn weight gain and finally achieving lasting results that go beyond simple calorie counting. The Science Behind Stress and Weight Gain When you're stressed, your body doesn't distinguish between a looming work deadline and a charging tiger. It activates the same ancient survival mechanism that helped our ancestors escape danger—the stress response system. This biological alarm system triggers a cascade of hormonal changes that can dramatically impact your weight. The primary player in this process is cortisol, often called the "stress hormone." When ...