Does stress lead to weight loss - or weight gain? That depends.

If you’re stressed out, you may wind up losing weight - or gaining some. 

It all depends on the type of stress you’re experiencing. A study from Harvard Medical School helps to explain the phenomenon. When we are experiencing bursts of temporary, acute stress, it’s not unusual to lose our appetite. Our systems are experiencing overload and the thought of eating and digesting is just too much work.

If you’re experiencing long term, chronic stress, you’ll likely see some weight gain as a result. That constant state of stress triggers your adrenal glands to release the hormone cortisol which increases appetite. Those with chronic stress are at risk of falling into an emotional eating habit. Feeding the emotion and not the hunger can cause us to crave more dense, fattening comfort food.