Stress is a major contributor to both mental and physical health problems. It can cause a wide range of health issues, including digestive problems, headaches, muscle tension, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, difficulty concentrating, an increased risk of heart disease, and even weight gain.

Generally, when under stress, some people respond to stress by eating more, especially foods high in fat and sugar which can cause weight gain. However, some people lose weight when they are stressed.

Is it true that stress can cause weight loss?

The answer is yes, stress can cause both weight gain and weight loss. Weight loss can occur due to several factors.

Changes in eating behavior

When stressed, you may experience changes in your eating habits. Some eat more, and some lose their appetite and forget to eat because their attention is diverted to the stress they are experiencing. Due to the lower calorie intake, weight loss can occur if it lasts for several days to weeks.

Fight or flight response

When you are stressed or faced with a threat, the body can enter fight or flight mode. One response to this mode is that the body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This process affects metabolic rate and appetite; adrenaline can reduce appetite, and cortisol temporarily slows digestive function.

Therefore, you may eat less and lose weight in addition to digestive problems such as nausea and heartburn.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Stress can cause digestive system disorders such as stomach aches, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and constipation. Apart from that, existing digestive problems also become more apparent.

Disturbances in the digestive system can reduce appetite and create discomfort in the stomach, making people reluctant to eat.

Read more: Physical Signs When Women Are Stressed

Loss of appetite

Stress can drain your energy and make you tired, reducing your desire to eat.

Hyperstimulation and metabolic changes

Hyperstimulation during stress can affect how the body digests, absorbs nutrients, and metabolizes food. One impact of this is weight loss.

Increased physical activity

When under stress, some people may become immersed in their busy lives or want to divert their focus from the stress they are experiencing. They may work harder or do more intense physical exercise. This activity can increase the burning of more calories, leading to weight loss.

Changes in eating habits and sleep patterns

Stress can change your eating habits and sleep patterns. Some people may skip meals and sleep less when they are stressed, resulting in weight loss.

Read more: Benefits And How To Use Stress Ball

Stress can lead to changes in eating and sleeping habits. Some individuals may experience weight loss due to skipping meals and sleeping less when they are stressed.

Keep in mind that weight loss that occurs during stress is unhealthy weight loss. Stress can have a negative impact on health, especially if your nutritional intake becomes unbalanced and your diet becomes unhealthy.

If you unintentionally lose more than 5% of your body weight continuously for 6-12 months, it is advisable to undergo a medical checkup and consult a doctor immediately. Continuous weight loss can lead to malnutrition and may be associated with some underlying health conditions. A doctor can conduct a comprehensive examination, including physical evaluation and laboratory tests, to determine the cause of the weight loss and suggest appropriate treatment.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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