Stress Weight Loss, Including When Weight Loss Is Related to Stress

Healthful Vitality | 10/13/2021 | By NP Contributor | Stress Weight Loss

Obesity is a considerable problem in developed nations like the US. However, it does not mean that no individuals are living with low body mass. An even more significant cause of concern could be a situation when a person living with normal body weight suddenly starts suffering from unexplained weight loss.

It is vital to understand that stress causes different responses in individuals. For example, in some, it causes fight response, while in others, flight response. Similarly, in some, it causes increased appetite, while in others reduced appetite.

Would could be the cause of stress weight loss?

Stress-related weight loss has received lesser attention than obesity. However, stress should be considered as a cause of weight loss when it starts happening due to no apparent reason, in the absence of any severe disease.

Stress may cause weight loss in many ways. It may cause specific changes in the brain and gut, and thus it may alter appetite.

It is also vital to understand that cortisol, one of the main stress hormones, may also cause changes in the brain. As a result, it causes various behavioral changes. For example, it increases the risk of substance abuse. In some, it may cause a loss of interest in food –quite the opposite of binge eating.

Further, weight loss may occur due to the development of some chronic functional gastrointestinal disorders, like irritable bowel disease. Stress causes changes in gut motility, its nervous system, microbiota. All this may ultimately cause severe gastrointestinal distress and loss of appetite. It may also cause malabsorption syndrome by affecting the intestinal wall.

How to understand when weight loss is related to stress?

Weight loss may occur due to numerous reasons. However, some of the symptoms may point to greater mental stress like frequent headaches, body aches and pains, tense muscles, fatigue, sleep disorder, brain fogging, memory issues, high heart rate, and reduced sex drive. In a person suffering from stress, multiple symptoms would be present.

In fact, it should be a cause of severe concern if a person has lost more than 5% of body weight in 6 to 12 months without trying to lose bodyweight. Chronic headaches, chest pain, feeling depressed, and finding oneself overindulging in illegal drugs or alcohol are all causes for seeking medical attention.

Take measures to tackle stress, and focus on dietary measures, too

Generally, it would be a good idea to have a multi-dimensional approach. It means combining stress management strategies along with dietary measures. Dietary measures perhaps would not work without managing the stress first.

Thus, start with identifying the source of stress. Next, make a strategy to counter that stress and prevent stress response. Finally, start focusing on measures like physical exercise, practicing mindfulness to reduce stress.

Dietary measures could be like setting reminders for mealtimes, as people living with stress are more likely to miss meals. It is also a good idea to eat more frequently, having frequent small meals or snacks.

Focus on foods high in calories and foods that improve moods like oranges, berries, nuts, and fatty fish.

At the same time, avoid high caffeine, and high sugar drinks, processed food items. Finally, adding supplements to the diet may be a way to get enough calories and start gaining weight again.

Also Read: The Role of Behavior in Physical Fitness Levels