Your metabolism controls the way your body absorbs and uses energy. A high metabolism will cause you to burn calories quickly and efficiently, while a low metabolism can result in decreased appetite, slow digestion and weight gain. Although many people do lose weight when they experience the symptoms of stress, this weight loss is more likely the result of a change in appetite or an underlying medical problem than an increased metabolic rate. Always see your doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Stress Response
Your body tells you when you are in danger by triggering its stress response, an involuntary physical reaction left over from the days when humans had natural predators. When the body perceives a threat, your hypothalamus sends your adrenal glands into overdrive, producing high levels of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol, which increase your heart rate and blood pressure. This is a valuable function if you need to get out of harm's way fast. However, if it's frequently activated by everyday stressors, it can cause cortisol overload, which is disruptive to many bodily systems.
Cortisol, Metabolism, and Weight
The hormone cortisol triggers the release of glucose into the bloodstream, fueling your body to react to a threat. However, cortisol is not necessary to combat most daily stresses, so it can build up in your system, leading to insomnia, anxiety and depression. Cortisol suppresses the immune system, slows down digestion, stimulates your appetite, and may interfere with your brain's ability to perceive satiety. In prolonged periods of stress, cortisol also causes fat to be stored in the abdomen, which can lead to obesity. At high levels, cortisol can develop into Cushing's syndrome, which can cause weight gain, high blood pressure and diabetes. Therefore, although cortisol may not directly affect the metabolism, it is more likely to cause weight gain than loss.
Stress and Weight Loss
In some people, stress may lead to weight loss, although it is unlikely to be the result of a boost in metabolic rates. Chronic or intense stress, as well as stress-related disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, can cause a lack of interest in food or a change in the way food is experienced, resulting in weight loss. Hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease cause the thyroid gland to overproduce thyroid hormones, which causes symptoms of stress, including rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, trembling, anxiety and insomnia. However, hypothyroidism also leads to marked weight loss, even when you're eating normally. If you are experiencing stress-related symptoms, eating well and still losing weight, see your doctor immediately.
Coping With Stress
The first step in treating chronic stress, especially when accompanied by weight changes, is to see a doctor. He can determine whether your symptoms are indicative of a more serious problem. Let him know whether your eating habits have changed. To address and reduce your stress, seek the help of a mental health professional, member of the clergy or just a trusted friend. Try yoga, breathing exercises or relaxation techniques. Make sure you are getting adequate sleep and nutrition, and avoid alcohol and caffeine. The best and healthiest way to maintain a healthy metabolism is consistent exercise, which also releases endorphins that combat stress.
References
- National Institutes of Health; Medline Plus; Metabolism; David C. Dugdale; 2010
- Mayoclinic.com; Stress; Mayo Clinic Staff, 2010
- "Women's Health"; Want to Lose Fat? Chill Out; Judi Ketteler; 2009
- University of New Mexico; Cortisol Connection; Christine Maglione-Garves et al.
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Hyperthyroidism; Steven D. Ehrlich; 2010
- National Institutes of Health; Medline Plus; Stress and Anxiety; David B. Merrill; 2010
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