Stress
Medical Author: Peter J.
Panzarino Jr., MD, FAPA
Medical Editor: Leslie J. Schoenfield, MD,
PhD
Medical Revising Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler,
MD
Medical Revising Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
 |
Stress, Hormones, and Weight Gain
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
 Most people admit that when they're under stress, healthy
eating habits can be difficult to maintain. Whether eating to fill an emotional
need or grabbing fast food simply because there's no time to prepare something healthy, a
stressed-out lifestyle is rarely a healthy one. But weight gain when under
stress may also be at least partly due to the body's system of hormonal checks
and balances, which can actually promote weight gain when you're stressed out,
according to some researchers.
Cortisol is a critical hormone with many actions in the body. Normally,
cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands in a pattern called a diurnal variation,
meaning that levels of cortisol in the bloodstream vary depending upon the time
of day (normally, cortisol levels are highest in the early morning and lowest
around midnight). Cortisol is important for the maintenance of blood pressure as
well as the provision of energy for the body. Cortisol stimulates fat and
carbohydrate metabolism for fast energy, and stimulates insulin release
and maintenance of blood sugar levels. The end result of these actions can be an
increase in appetite.
Top Searched Stress Terms:
symptoms, definition, effects on the body, relief, management techniques, work, reduction, types, how to deal with, physiological effects, stress caused diseases, hives
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What is stress?
Stress is simply a fact of
nature—forces from the outside world affecting the individual. The individual
responds to stress in ways that affect the individual as well as their
environment. Hence, all living creatures are in a constant interchange with
their surroundings (the ecosystem), both physically and behaviorally. This
interplay of forces, or energy, is of course present in the relationships
between all matter in the universe, whether it is living (animate) or not living
(inanimate). However, there are critical differences in how different living
creatures relate to their environment. These differences have far-reaching
consequences for survival. Because of the overabundance of stress in our modern
lives, we usually think of stress as a negative experience, but from a
biological point of view, stress can be a neutral, negative, or positive
experience.
In general, stress is related to both external and internal factors. External factors include the physical environment, including your job, your relationships with others, your home, and all the situations, challenges, difficulties, and expectations you're confronted with on a daily basis. Internal factors determine your body's ability to respond to, and deal with, the external stress-inducing factors. Internal factors which influence your ability to handle stress include your nutritional status, overall health and fitness levels, emotional well-being, and the amount of sleep and rest you get.
Stress has driven evolutionary change (the development and natural selection
of species over time). Thus, the species that adapted best to the causes of
stress (stressors) have survived and evolved into the plant and animal kingdoms
we now observe. Man is the most adaptive creature on the planet because of the evolution of the human brain, especially the
part called the neo-cortex. This
adaptability is largely due to the changes and stressors that we have faced and
mastered. Therefore, we, unlike other animals, can live in any climate or
ecosystem, at various altitudes, and avoid the danger of predators. Moreover,
most recently, we have learned to live in the air, under the sea, and even in
space, where no living creatures that we know of have ever survived. So then,
what is so bad about stress?
Next: A brief history of stress »
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Hurricane Preparedness »
Introduction to hurricane preparation
The stresses and strains of an approaching hurricane or major storm can take
a toll on family, friends, and neighbors. There are also worries about the psychological stress on the thousands who have fled storm-damaged homes to stay with friends and family,
sleep in crowded shelters, or stay in cramped motel rooms. The stresses and strains created by displacement can promote domestic violence, substance abuse, depression, and even suicide.
To help prepare for an encroaching hurricane (including how to prepare a
hurricane kit), read through this list of ways
to prepare before it hits, and what action to take once the hurricane or major
storm has passed.
What are hurricane aftermath health concerns?
How can I store food
safely?
Your refrigerator will keep foods cool for about four hours without power if it is
unopened. Add block or dry ice to your refrigerator if t...
Read the Hurricane Preparedness article »
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