NavymomT's Journal, 21 April 2016

I know that stress increases cortisol production and can cause you to gain weight, especially around the belly. Not sure if that's a metabolic change or something else all together.  

I would say yes 

well here lately i have been an emotional wreck. my friend says its due to me being pre-menopausal even though i really havent been diagnosed with it. 

Better question - will your emotional state cause you to hold fat even when in a sustained caloric deficit over time? Answer: no. Focus on emotional state to the extent it is relevant to maintaining long term control over intake. Beyond that is voodoo and a distraction. 

YES 

As a medicine student, I can tell you that your emotional state does play a big role on your whole body, from metabolism rates to your defences againts illnesses. Now the thing is stress (being angry, frustrated, and so on...) makes your body produce many hormones (adrenaline among many others) that make you hold in as much energy as possible (and energy comes in form of sugar and fat, and thus weight gain). Also if you think you may be hitting the first stages of menopausia, I highly sugest seeing a doctor, because they can really help you deal with all those changes both mentally and physically, so it doesn't draw you back on your fitness journey. Hope I helped, stay strong! :) 

Logically it would seem that stress would raise your metabolism. Given that when facing stress our body's programming is "fight or flight" but instead we mostly have to stay put and suck it up those stress hormones might develop fat. Being fat may affect metabolism. I haven't read anything that suggested stress lowers metabolism, though. It's best to find coping strategies to reduce stress. When you think about it, a lot of our stress comes from negative stories we tell ourselves about "what might happen" when we are faced with a bad situation.  

Ditto to what Christina says not only does it raise your cortisol level what that does is it causes your body to store fat 2 of the things you want to do to try to reduce your stress level is 1 make sure you get your 8 hours of sleep do whatever you need to do dark in the room throughout the cat turn off the music I know it's easier said than done but don't stress the little stuff 

My weight loss slows, but if counting calories, I still loose. If I don't count the "stress snacking" - a bite of the kids fries, a spoon full while cooking, that extra 2tbsp of butter, eating out fast food and eating crap because I feel like crap, etc. then I gain for the week. Watching your weight during any stressful time can be hard. But, if trying to loose weight, the Bottom line = counting and reducing calories. LIVING IT. Down from 306 to 285 in less than two months.  

I would say yes, when you're emotionally stable you have the mental clarity and optimism to take on new challenges like weight loss. On the other hand, if you're feeling like a mess, you're on a constant battle to get back to "regular" so new challenges get put to the back burner. 

well my emotional roller coaster is from a relationship that i am starting in and i am unsure as to what the other person really wants so i find myself crying more than normal because i am unsure.  

i dont stress eat or anything like that. if anything i quit eating when i am stressed.  

As creative visualization can have a positive effect on weight loss, and also help Cancer patients fight cancer during chemotherapy then it seems negative thoughts and negative self talk could cause negative chemical reactions in the body as well. Maybe google it. 

Oh, honey, don't cry! Be sure of yourself, and what you want, and give them time.... If they never get in line, knockem out of it! You can not be stressed about what other people want/don't want... when it's time, you two will talk about it, honestly. Trust that. Can't wait? Talk to them about it. Otherwise, enjoy the day, there are so many things in life that you have to be grateful for! And people should be grateful for having you. If not, forget them! Life's too short!  

Oh, trying to figure out a new relationship is quite stressful, even opening up the lines of communication is complex as you don't know each other well enough yet to make sure your meaning is understood as intended. Theirs as well! Being vulnerable is scary. But it all can be very exciting too.