Study Claims Stress can Lead to Obesity

Conley Ku, Layout Artist

When people all over the world decide they want to lose weight, their first course of action is often to change their eating or activity habits.  These are both great places to start, but new data may reveal another important factor in metabolic health: stress. The evidence found by multiple researchers suggests that stress levels may be just as important to weight management as diet.

In a study by researchers at Brigham Young University, tests were performed on mice in which gut microbiota- bacteria found in digestive tracts that are related to metabolism- were analyzed.  When a stress test was performed on the mice, their gut microbiota shifted and appeared to match that of an obese mouse.  They gained weight, becoming more anxious and less physically active.

A study published by the journal Obesity also linked the hormone cortisol, which is produced by the brain in times of stress, to a larger waist circumference and higher body mass index.

While it may be worrisome in the modern world, this reaction was most likely helpful to the first humans.  Dr. Holly Lofton, director of the medical weight management program at NYU Langone Health, says stress creates a “fight for flight” response in the brain and the “body’s glucose level rises to prepare to handle the situation.”  When this rise in glucose is not met with physical activity, a hormone called insulin is produced which can lead to fat storage.

What can you do to reduce stress in your life? Dr. Lofton recommends meditation or something relaxing, such as painting.  Some other activities that can reduce stress include taking a nap, relaxing with pets, and getting exercise.  You can read more about some opportunities to get exercise indoors this winter in the November issue of the Jagwire.