Chronic stress can lead to obesity, says new study
Men and women who are constantly under pressure tend to overeat "comfort foods" high in fat, calories and sugar
Men and women who are constantly under pressure tend to overeat "comfort foods" high in fat, calories and sugar
Men and women who are constantly under pressure tend to overeat "comfort foods" high in fat, calories and sugar
Chronic stress can lead to weight gain and obesity, from the University College London earlier this week. It's no secret that living a stressful life can have negative effects on a person's health. Previous medical trials have linked the silent killer to high blood pressure, heart disease, , and low immunity.
Men and women who constantly feel stressed tend to overeat "comfort foods" high in fat, calories and sugar, scientists concluded. The research followed more than 2,500 people aged 54 or older over a four-year period.
During the study, samples of hair were taken from each subject to monitor cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that regulates a person's stress response.
People with higher levels of cortisol in their hair had larger waist circumferences, higher body mass indexes and weighed more than subjects with low cortisol levels.
“These results provide consistent evidence that chronic stress is associated with higher levels of obesity,” said lead researcher at UCL Epidemiology and Public Health Dr. Sarah Jackson. “People who had higher hair cortisol levels also tended to have larger waist measurements, which is important because carrying excess fat around the abdomen is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and premature death.”