Is stress blocking your weight loss?

I am frequently asked about the relationship between stress and weight gain. In truth, stress and excess fat storage go hand in hand – one triggers the other. When you are under stress, your body releases a stress hormone called cortisol from the adrenal glands. Unfortunately, an over secretion of cortisol will lead to weight gain, typically in the abdominal region.

If you feel like you are under prolonged, chronic stress, you could be at the highest risk for excess weight gain.

Researchers have identified that an over-secretion of cortisol can cause excess weight gain in these three ways:

1. Slowing metabolism
Too much cortisol will slow your metabolic engine, making weight loss much more difficult. If you're trying to lose weight, this decrease in your metabolic function may make the process frustrating.

2. Increasing cravings
When you are stressed and craving something to eat, do you crave an egg or a piece of celery? Of course not. Most people crave a sugary or starchy goodie in an attempt to improve their mood and boost their energy. Unfortunately, treats like cookies, cakes, muffins and fancy coffees are high on the glycemic index and will trigger the excess secretion of the pancreatic hormone insulin. In a nutshell, excess insulin is stored as excess fat (especially around the mid-section) and it will cause the vicious cycle of cravings to continue.

3. Fat storage
An excess secretion of cortisol promotes abdominal fat storage, which has been linked to a greater risk for heart disease, cancer and stroke. Ideally, a man’s waist circumference should be less than 40 inches and a woman’s should be less than 35 inches.

Decreasing cortisol levels naturally
Since cortisol levels play an important role in regulating blood sugar, fat storage and energy production, it is important to practice techniques that can keep cortisol levels low. Here are seven ways to de-stress and keep cortisol under control:

1. Exercise
Regular cardiovascular workouts will greatly help to reduce stress and cortisol levels.

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