High stress levels can make you fat researchers claim

Physical Health Healthy Eating and Weight Management
1

I find this to me so true for myself; when I'm stressed I tend to turn to comfort food; therefore, I actually find it necessary to work-out in order to keep the weight off and stress at bay;

"Forget that punishing exercise regime or elaborate diet.
The key to losing weight could be as simple as putting your feet up and relaxing.

Scientists have found a gene that makes us crave sweet and fatty foods and pile on the pounds when under stress.
The 'comfort eating gene' has also been linked to type 2 diabetes - the form of the disease that usually occurs in middle-age and is related to obesity.

It is hoped that studying the gene will lead to new diabetes drugs as well as weight loss pills.
But it seems finding time to relax could also do us the power of good.

Researcher Dr Alon Chen set out to find out why so many people reach for the biscuit tin when under pressure at home or at work.

In studies on mice, he pinpointed a gene that pumps out a protein called Ucn3 at times of stress...."

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1273866/High-stress-levels-make-fat-researchers-claim.html

        Source: Daily Mail UK, Fiona Macrae

2

Isnt that all related to the release of cortisol when we're stressed?

3

Hi Lilac, I'm not quite sure for the exact scientific reason as to why stress causes us to turn to eating, but I believe that it's a comfort and calming effect for many of us on the whole and that's why we do it. Though, someone else may have a better explanation than me.

4

hi

5

Hi Morgan, I can't answer that from a medical or scientific stand-point, but only from direct experience and what I've seen around me. I must say/write that when I am stressed and anxiety ridden, I turn to food for comfort for the most part. I've started to re-direct my energy towards exercise which helps melt the stress and anxiety. Once I've gone for a long walk or run, then I don't have that same need to eat for comfort.