Much truth can be found in the expression “stress eating.” Anxiety, the hormones it stimulates, and the impact of “comfort foods” high in fat and sugar all contribute to individuals’ tendency to consume. Stress has been linked to weight gain, and approximately one-fourth of Americans, according to a survey by the American Psychological Association, rate their stress level as eight or higher on a ten-point scale.

Short-term stress suppression of the appetite is possible. For the adrenal glands atop the kidneys to secrete the hormone epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), the nervous system transmits signals. Epinephrine facilitates the activation of the fight-or-flight response, an adrenaline-pumping physiological condition that causes a transient cessation of feeding.

However, things change when stress endures. Cortisol, an additional hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, stimulates appetite and potentially amplifies overall motivation, including the urge to consume food. Cortisol levels should decrease once a stressful episode has concluded; however, if the stress persists or if an individual’s stress response remains in the “on” state, cortisol levels may remain elevated.

Stress eating, hormones and hunger

It also appears that stress influences culinary preferences. Although many of these studies were conducted on animals, they have demonstrated that physical or emotional distress increases the consumption of foods that are high in fat, sugar, or both. Prolonged insulin secretion in conjunction with elevated cortisol levels could potentially provide an explanation. Additional studies indicate that ghrelin, also known as the “hunger hormone,” might play a role.

It appears that foods high in fat and sugar have a feedback effect that reduces stress-related responses and emotions after they are consumed. These foods are truly “comfort” foods because they appear to counteract stress; this may explain why individuals crave them when they are feeling stressed.

Obviously, there are other stress-related behaviors besides gorging that can lead to weight gain. Additionally, those who are under stress become less active, consume more alcohol, and sleep less, all of which can contribute to weight gain.

Why do people stress eat?

Some research indicates that there is a gender gap in stress-coping strategies, with women resorting to food consumption more frequently than men do to alcohol or smoking. In addition, over 5,000 men and women participated in a Finnish study which found that stress-induced eating was associated with obesity in women but not in men.

Researchers from Harvard have found a correlation between work-related and other types of stress and weight gain, but only among participants who were overweight at the start of the study period. One hypothesis posits that individuals who are overweight have increased insulin levels, which increases the likelihood of stress-induced weight gain.

Cortisol production in response to stress may also be a factor in the relationship between stress and weight gain. In 2007, British scientists devised a brilliant study which demonstrated that individuals who exhibited elevated cortisol levels in response to stress in an experimental setting were more prone to snacking when confronted with ordinary challenges in their daily lives, as opposed to those who responded with lower cortisol levels.

Also read: The Link Between Diet and Stress Reduction

How to relieve stress without overeating

When stress affects someone’s appetite and waistline, the individual can forestall further weight gain by ridding the refrigerator and cupboards of high-fat, sugary foods. Keeping those “comfort foods” handy is just inviting trouble.

Here are some other suggestions for countering stress:

Meditation. Countless studies show that meditation reduces stress, although much of the research has focused on high blood pressure and heart disease. Meditation may also help people become more mindful of food choices. With practice, a person may be able to pay better attention to the impulse to grab a fat- and sugar-loaded comfort food and inhibit the impulse.

Exercise. While cortisol levels vary depending on the intensity and duration of exercise, overall exercise can blunt some of the negative effects of stress. Some activities, such as yoga and tai chi, have elements of both exercise and meditation.

Social support. Friends, family, and other sources of social support seem to have a buffering effect on the stress that people experience. For example, research suggests that people working in stressful situations, like hospital emergency departments, have better mental health if they have adequate social support. But even people who live and work in situations where the stakes aren’t as high need help from time to time from friends and family.

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