Stress can be caused by a myriad of reasons. There are common stresses such as finances and work-related strain and then there are stress triggers that may be specific to you as an individual. Though stress is not necessarily negative, loss of weight control can be an unhealthy side effect of too much stress.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress is common to daily life and in small doses can compel you into productivity. However, continual stress or too much stress can have a negative impact on your mental, emotional and physical health. Any situation or thought that causes you to become frustrated or upset can be labeled as stress. Anxiety can be caused by unceasing amounts of stress. It is a continual uneasy feeling of nervousness or fear.
Stress and Weight
Stress is more likely to cause you to gain weight rather than lose weight. When under stress, people tend to eat for emotional comfort. Typically this comfort food will be high-calorie junk food. This is called stress eating. It is possible to eat less due to stress, but it is more probable that you will overeat in times of stress, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Anxiety and Weight
Anxiety, which can be induced by stress, can cause a loss of appetite. This loss of appetite can cause unplanned weight loss. Anxiety may cause you to simply have a loss of appetite or you may just feel full soon after you begin eating. When overly anxious, food could also make you feel sick. Anxiety can cause abdominal pain, and food may seem to only add to this symptom.
Considerations
No two people are alike, and stress affects everyone differently. If you are experiencing a high level of stress, your symptoms may be specific to you alone. If you are noticing an unexplained weight loss, examine your current life situation and see if you are experiencing any other symptoms of stress or anxiety. Additionally, consult your physician for further guidance on your individual situation.
References
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus: Stress and Anxiety
- Mayo Clinic: Stress: How do you control weight gain?, How do I control stress-induced weight gain?
- Teens Health: Can Stress Affect my Weight?
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus: Appetite-Decreased
- Macmillan.org: Loss of appetite due to anxiety or depression
