My Bariatric Solutions of Decatur, TX, has published an article discussing the connection between stress and weight gain. We want our patients and others to know that the combination of prolonged stress resulting in increased weight can result in serious health problems.
My Bariatric Solutions, an authority on bariatric surgery and weight loss, has published an article detailing how stress negatively affects the body. Ongoing high levels of stress can cause hormonal changes resulting in detrimental chemical changes in the body. These chemical changes increase cravings for sugary, fatty foods, which in turn result in weight gain.
The complete article can be read at https://mybariatricsolutions.com/stress-and-how-it-impacts-on-the-body
We’ve all heard the old saying "stress kills," but what does that really mean?
When you’re under stress, the brain perceives the stress as a threat and responds by releasing chemicals and hormones. Over 30 different hormones including epinephrine (adrenaline) and cortisol (also known as the stress hormone) are sent through the body. Persistent high levels of epinephrine can cause damage to blood vessels and arteries, increase blood pressure, and raise the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
While in the short term the epinephrine helps you feel less hungry, when the effect wears off, cortisol is released signaling the body to replenish your food supply. Rising cortisol levels increase blood glucose that in turn, cause insulin levels to rise. As insulin rises, blood sugar drops and you start craving sugary, fatty foods.
Prolonged elevation of cortisol levels contribute to increased appetite, a build-up of fat tissue, and weight gain due to increased storage of unused nutrients as fat. This fat is often seen as an extra layer of visceral (around organs) fat deep in the belly. Increased fat releases more chemicals that trigger inflammation thereby increasing the likelihood of developing heart disease and diabetes.
You’re sitting in traffic, late for an important meeting, watching the minutes tick away. Your hypothalamus, a tiny control tower in your brain, decides to send out the order: Send in the stress hormones! These stress hormones are the same ones that trigger your body’s “fight or flight” response. Your heart races, your breath quickens, and your muscles ready for action. This response was designed to protect your body in an emergency by preparing you to react quickly. But when the stress response keeps firing, day after day, it could put your health at serious risk.
Prolonged stress causes surges of epinephrine which can make one feel fidgety or “wired up." While you may burn off some extra calories while running around because you can’t sit still, anxiety can trigger emotional eating as a way to calm down.
For more information about bariatric surgery and general weight loss, contact us at 888-686-6971 or visit the link above.
