Losing Weight Because Of Stress

Stress is a biological, double-edged sword. On the one hand, the body evolved with stress. A 2009 study by the University of Missouri finds that a lack of stress could impair the body's ability to respond to disease. However, stress can also cause a myriad of physical and mental health symptoms that can affect your quality of life. A person under excess stress might lose weight due to a loss of appetite. This effect could then cause a cascading effect leading to nutritional deficiencies and other associated symptoms, including fatigue or sleeping problems.

Causes of Stress

A 2008 survey by Harris Interactive identified several sources of stress that might affect your weight. The survey listed rising prices, money problems and too many things to do as the top causes of stress. The problems with causes such as rising prices is that you have little control over these matters, which can exacerbate your stress because you see no relief in sight. The top causes of stress occurred despite income levels, suggesting that a feeling of helplessness is a common theme.

Mental Health and Weight

Weight loss might occur because of the effects on your mental health. Eating is a pleasurable activity, but if you are feeling depressed due to money woes, you might find food less enjoyable. If your stress concerns money, you might feel less inclined to purchase or eat the healthy foods your body requires. Other symptoms of stress might increase your weight loss, including substance abuse or stomach upset. All of these factors can make your stress-induced weight loss a more serious health matter.

Biology of Stress

Stress stimulates the production of a stress hormone called cortisol. This hormone initiates several metabolic reactions that can influence your weight. Cortisol will stimulate sugar release and fat burn for the purpose of providing your body with energy in a fight-or-flight kind of response. Chronic stress will increase your body's need for energy due to an increase in heart rate and breathing. Cortisol can also suppress immune system function, leaving your body vulnerable to secondary conditions that can increase your weight loss.

Controlling Stress

Unexplained weight loss and depression are symptoms that your stress is reaching harmful levels. It is therefore imperative to manage your stress before it can lead to more serious health consequences. MayoClinic.com recommends several steps to take to get your stress under control. Relaxation techniques such as meditation or guided imagery might provide a needed distraction from what is weighing on your mind. You might also find relief through exercise and activities such as yoga. Weight loss is a warning sign that you need to act now.