Stress and Weight Gain

By Karen Best Wright, B.S. Community Health Education

I recently read an article from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' website about Stress and Pounds. http://www.hhs.gov/news/healthbeat/2009/10/20091007a.html

In a relatively small study they found a correlation between weight gain and specific types of stress. Both men and women were prone to weight gain under job and money stress, where women were also likely to gain weight due to relationship stress and feeling "hemmed in by life."

Being a woman, I could relate to that, even though I tend to lose too much weight rather than gain it when I am on stress overload. Relationship stress does affect me more than job stress. Perhaps that is because I feel that I have a bit more control over fixing my money problems than my relationship problems. Perhaps it is all an illusion that I can really fix anything, but it is less stressful when faced with something you feel you can change vs. feeling totally at a loss at what to do.

Karen Wright
www.RaisingYourGrandchildren.com
www.GrandparentingBlog.com
www.SeniorPro.com

Comments

[Ira Mann]

I have found that I gain weight when I am bored. Try to stay busy, and know you are a special person to someone. Thanks.

[Susan Adcox]

Under extreme stress, I lose weight. The everyday garden variety stress makes me eat more, unless I handle it through exercise, which is what I should do all the time! I went to my water aerobics class today, so am feeling nicely relaxed.

[Herbal supplements]

I have lost my wait due to Stress...but this is informative....