by Kimberly Dawn Wells

Created on: August 01, 2007

It's a common conception that when you're stressed, you eat more. But did you know that stress can contribute to your weight gain in more ways than one? Stress is an odd ailment. You can't see it like you can see a rash, and you can't always feel as distinctly as a fever. Still, stress of varying degrees can have a great impact on the widening of your waistline.

Lack of time = poor eating habits
Fast food and quick-cook meals have made it easier for us to fit meals into our cramped lifestyles, much to the demise of our waistlines. The stress of being rushed often forces us to make poor nutritional choices. Empty calories that are high in fat, sugar, and salt become our main fuel source. The combination of empty calories and simple sugars only adds to our stress, as a quick high is followed by a deep low.

Emotional eating = empty calories and bulging belly
See above.

Too busy to exercise = loss of muscle tone, decrease in metabolism, cardiovascular sluggishness
Besides the fitness benefits of exercise, you can actually reduce your stress level and feel more powerful by engaging in a little jog around the block or quick game of tennis. During exercise your body releases adrenalin to give you an extra burst of energy and endorphins which make you feel good about yourself.

Excess cortisol = packed on padding
Cortisol is a naturally occurring hormone that serves many important purposes to your body, such as regulating your blood pressure and blood sugar. When too much cortisol is secreted, it can monkey with your body's tendency to store fat, especially in your abdomen.

Lack of sleep = excess cortisol
See above.

Skipped meals = slowed metabolism and "starvation mode"
When your body senses that it is being starved, it turns on itself to burn muscle instead of fat. Muscle uses up many more calories per pound than fat, and a decreased metabolism will slowly wind you into a spiral of unhealthy living and disproportionate fat storage.

High stress and emotional disturbances = all around bad choices
The decisions you make today regarding may make you feel better for a day or two, but long-term starvation, sleep deprivation, and junk food diets will be highly detrimental to your health and fitness goals.

Learn more about this author, Kimberly Dawn Wells.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.