Is Stress Making You Fat?

[Guest guest]

Is Stress Making You Fat? JoAnn Guest Apr 14, 2005 08:45 PDT

 

There has been lots of information lately about elevated levels of the

hormone cortisol in women and the possible tie to weight gain. Is it

true that coffee can lead to elevated cortisol levels and therefore

stimulate unwanted weight gain?

 

-- Kristin Goff

 

 

Answer (Published 01/16/2004)

 

Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands in response to

stress, and recent research does suggest that there may be a tie between

cortisol levels in women and the accumulation of excess weight in the

abdominal area. A study at Yale University in 2000 compared stress

reactions among women who had a high waist-to-hip ratio (because their

fat tended to be in the belly) with those among women with a low

waist-to-hip ratio (indicating more fat storage in the hips than the

waist).

 

The researchers noted that diseases caused by high levels of cortisol

(Cushing’s Syndrome is one) are characterized by excessive amounts of

fat in the abdominal area, an unhealthy distribution that increases the

risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. In addition to

the link to weight gain, elevated cortisol levels can have adverse

effects on the immune system, memory, and sugar metabolism.

 

In the Yale study women were given tests (involving puzzles and speech

designed to stimulate stress) to see how they responded. The researchers

found that women with a high waist-to-hip ratio, whether they were

overweight or slim, secreted more cortisol under stress and also

reported more stress in their

daily lives than women with low waist-to-hip ratios. Results of the

study were published in the September/October 2000 issue of

Psychosomatic Medicine.

 

As far as caffeine is concerned, a study published in the July/August

1998 issue of Psychosomatic Medicine showed that caffeine can elevate

levels of cortisol and another stress hormone, ACTH (adrenocorticotropic

hormone) in men prone to high blood pressure as well as in men at low

risk for this disease. That’s all we know at the moment.

 

While these findings are interesting, it would be a mistake to blame all

weight gain on cortisol.

 

Heredity plays a role, too, as well as such lifestyle factors as

smoking, alcohol consumption and lack of exercise. If you want to

decrease the impact of stress in your life, which may result in lower

cortisol levels, be sure to get regular exercise and sufficient sleep.

 

Incorporate meditation and relaxation techniques into your daily

routine. My breathing exercise will help you bring calmness throughout

your body. Do it at least twice a day, and try it every time you feel

anxious or upset.

 

Andrew Weil, M.D.

www.drweil.com

_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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