Let’s face it: we all have experienced stress at some point in our lifetime. Multiple factors such as finances, work, relationships, or even life changes can put extra amounts of stress on our bodies. With that, not only our behaviors and mannerisms are affected, but also our bodily processes.
People respond to stress differently. Some rely on stress-eating when they are under pressure, which may cause them to gain weight. On the other hand, some people undergo the opposite and lose weight during these circumstances.
Telltale signs: How to know if your weight loss is due to stress
If you are under an extreme amount of stress, chances are, you will experience conditions other than weight loss. Here are other symptoms you should watch out for to know if your weight loss is stress-induced.
- fatigue
- increased heart rate
- headaches and migraines
- indigestion and stomach pain
- body aches
- tense and sore muscles
- insomnia and irregular sleeping schedules
- frequent mood changes
- decreased sex drive
If you experience these with your weight loss, stress may be the prime culprit.
Why does stress cause weight loss?
Stress can cause changes to your body’s behaviors and patterns. These disruptions may trigger internal reactions within your system, which can then cause weight loss. Here are some of the reasons why weight loss may happen when you are under stress.
Stress activates your fight or flight mechanism.
This response makes your body act as if you are under a perceived threat. With that, your body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can speed up your metabolism. These hormones may also suppress your appetite.
Moreover, this fight or flight response may cause distress to your gastrointestinal tract. You may experience symptoms of discomfort which may cause you to eat less than usual such as:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- heartburn
- stomach pain
Your body cannot process and absorb the nutrients properly.
Stress causes your body to become hyperstimulated. With that, you may process food differently. You may not be able to digest, absorb, and metabolize your food.
Stress may cause you to burn extra calories.
Stress may cause unconscious movements such as fidgeting, finger clicking, and foot tapping. These behaviors burn calories and manage stress at the same time. Moreover, stressed people tend to rely on physical activity as a coping mechanism. Thus, they become more physically active when under extreme stress.
Are there less stressful ways to lose weight?
Upon knowing the weight loss potential of stress, one may consider undergoing stressful conditions to lose extra pounds. However, doing so is not advisable! Exposing yourself to stressors for extended periods may result in grave health consequences. Thus, you may want to look for healthier weight loss alternatives.
One of which is losing weight through supplements. One popular supplement has been on our radar lately: PhenGold. According to LA Weekly PhenGold reviews, this is a potential weight loss product. To lose weight, you may consider including this in your fitness plan. It has green coffee, green tea leaf extract, L-theanine, L-tyrosine, Rhodiola, and cayenne pepper.
Here are the pros and cons of PhenGold, according to LA Weekly.
Pros:
- May increase motivation and mental focus
- Boosts energy
- Cost-effective in the long run
- Provides a free trial period with a money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Has a minimal effect on food cravings
Per the health article, these ingredients may also promote weight loss.
Stress may cause weight loss, but the detrimental effects are bound to outweigh the good. For safer weight loss, consider trying out alternatives that will help you lose weight without the added stress.
