Can Stress Cause Weight Loss? Understanding the Connection

The impact of stress varies from one individual to another. While some experience weight loss, others see a sharp uptick in their weight. High cortisol levels in the body caused due to stress have a significant effect on nervous systems and digestive health. This is the primary reason for losing weight due to stress.

If you are working in a high-stress environment, then this article is for you. Read on to understand the stress and weight loss connection, signs, and tips to reduce stress.

Effects of Stress and Weight Loss

Here are some ways stress can cause weight loss in different ways.

The vagal nerve effect

High stress will nudge you in the direction of poor dietary choices. The more you choose to continue to live with a bad lifestyle, the higher are the chances of inflammation setting in your body. The inflammation activates the vagal nerve which is responsible for how the food is metabolized and processed.

Fight-or-flight response

When you are stressed, your body triggers the release of the hormone called ‘adrenaline.’ It triggers our body’s fight-or-flight response that can burn calories at a rapid rate and play a crucial role in sudden weight loss.

The HPA axis phenomena

Impaired hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis can significantly affect your metabolism and eating habits. It is the body’s defense mechanism against stress.

Gastrointestinal effect

Stress can hamper the connection between gastrointestinal (GI) system and the brain. It can lead to symptoms such as

• Heartburn/ acid reflux
• Abdominal pain
• Gas
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased or decreased appetite
• Constipation
• muscle spasms

Signs that Weight Loss is Connected to Stress

Weight loss is just one of the many symptoms of stress. It can manifest differently based on a person’s behavioral and individual habits. Here are some of the stress-weight-loss symptoms that you must know about -

• Headaches
• Aches and pains
• Tense muscles
• Indigestion
• Difficulty with short-term memory
• Decreased sex drive
• Mood changes
• Fatigue
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Increased heart rate

Tips to Reduce Stress

You can manage stress by trying different techniques. The key ones include -

• Daily meditation
• Follow breathing & relaxation techniques
• Practice time management skills
• Exercise to reduce stress
• Reading a book or listening to music
• Get adequate sleep
• Practice mindfulness
• Stay connected with family & friends
• Doing volunteer work & helping others
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, & drugs

Conclusion

Stress can cause weight loss & impact your daily life. Working on reducing stress should be the topmost priority. You can try three60 Stress Relief gummies to tackle stress and anxiety & experience a calm mind.

FAQs

1) Can stress cause you to lose weight?

Daily stress can affect your metabolism and appetite which eventually leads to sudden weight loss.

2) How do I stop losing weight from stress?

Stress primarily triggers a sharp spike of cortisol levels in the body. To reduce the cortisol levels in your body, you can try eating balanced meals, following relaxation techniques, and seeking natural remedies like three60+ Gluco Check powder.

3) How many calories does stress burn?

Stress, as a standalone, burns very few calories. However, its physical symptoms can speed up your weight loss process.