How does stress affect weight loss?

[gettinserious]

I've heard that it does and am wondering about this information.

[Bees KneesII]

I don't know much about stress affecting weightloss but recently I became educated about it affecting blood glucose levels!! I was in a very stressful situation for about a week, and with no changes in my eating program, I began to have bg's about 30-50 points higher than I have come to expect since starting Atkins.

Elissa

[Diana]

Yes Stress can affect WL, Let me see if I can find the info on it, the body I guess releases a Hormone? When you are stressed....I'll look for the info...

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

Stress absolutely can and will interfere with weight loss.

To understand how it works you have to understand a hormone called cortisol.

Cortisol is a hormone that is needed and used by every single cell in the body. It's made by the adrenal glands, two little nut-shaped fellows that sit on top of your kidneys. Among other things, cortisol is an anti-inflammatory (the widely prescribed "cortizone" is a derivative). But cortisol's most famous role is that of a stress hormone.

Cortisol helps the body release sugar into the bloodstream, sugar that can be used for the immediate energy needed for running for example. In fact, during any stressful time, including exercise, the body releases more cortisol, hence its nickname as a "fight or flight" hormone.

Cortisol is not a "bad" hormone. As with most things, the problem is when it's out of balance. Chronic unrelenting stress (of the kind most of us live with every day) can have a dangerous effect on the body. It makes you more vulnerable to colds, flu, fatigue, and infection, and, if that weren't enough, it gives you a raging appetite in the bargain. Why? Because one of its "purposes" is to help your body "refuel" for the next emergency. Hence, when your body's on constant cortisol overload, you eat. The foods you crave when stressed out (almost always carbohydrates and fat) replenish the calories used up during the stress response, which, in simplest terms, is one of the main ways that activating the stress response on a constant basis can cause weight gain.

If you experience from stress, start identifying what the cause is and begin to develop ways to deal with it so that stress does not effect your weight loss goals.

[glasnost]

When I am stressed out, I actually lose weight as oppose to gain. I don't hold back on refueling either. Is there a reason for this?

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

This is just an example of how every person is so individual and responds differently to the same situation, same food, same exercise regimine, etc. It is so important to share ideas, advice, and suggestions, but there is no clear answer to any one question. It's all about personalizing what works best for you!

[gilbabe75]

Stress causes my body to hold on to weight. HENCE my current weight!! LOL

Even if I can control the cravings and appetite and not go off plan...I will not lose.

[bluejp5]

I have been on atkins for 1 year now.. loss of 80 pounds... but for 3 months or so i have been completely stalled. i am sure i am not eating enough and am trying to find ways to remidy that, but i am also stressed. my aunt is on cortislim and she has gone down 4 pant sizes since july... my question is.... are there cortisol blockers safe... and would you suggest taking them to get the cortisol overload under control... any advice on that... thanks to all...

[never too old]

Has anyone ever heard of "Relacore"? It is suppose to help with stress and weight loss. Affects the cortisol.

[bluejp5]

i have been on relacore 3 weeks now... i have noticed a decrease in my fat belly, but more than anything is a change in my moods... i am much happier now.. not so depressed or angry about stupid stuff.. i dont get fired up anymore... i think its great... im sleeping better and i just feel all around better... and losing a little off the ol belly too...

[LowCarbHoney]

I just think stress affects every facet of your life, both physically and mentally.