High stress levels have SA citizens tipping the scales

SA ranks among the most stressed nations in the world – bad news not only for our mental wellbeing, but our waistlines, too.

According to a recent Harvard Medical School report, persistent stress is directly linked to overeating, lack of sleep, reduced exercise and increased alcohol intake – all of which contribute to weight gain.

The report found that while short-term stress could slow down appetite, it’s a different story if it persists.

Chronic stress, it says, may cause the adrenal glands to release the hormone cortisol, which boosts appetite. If stress persists, cortisol levels may remain elevated, resulting in “comfort” eating or overeating.

“Stress also seems to affect food preferences … [increasing] the intake of food high in fat, sugar or both. These foods really are comfort foods in that they seem to counteract stress – and that may contribute to people’s stress-induced craving for those foods.”

The report notes that overeating isn’t the only stress-related behaviour that can add kilos.

“Stressed people also lose sleep, exercise less and drink more alcohol, all of which can contribute to excess weight.

“Some research suggests a gender difference in stress-coping behaviour, with women being more likely to turn to food and men to alcohol or smoking,” the report said.

“And a Finnish study that included over 5,000 men and women showed that obesity was associated with stress-related eating in women but not in men,” it continued.

SA nutritionist Vanessa Ascencao said stress-related overeating and overindulging during holidays would probably place further pressure on the body, contributing to a cycle of poor health.

“Excessive alcohol, and sugary and fatty foods, place enormous strain on the liver and other organs. Make a conscious decision not to binge on holiday and rather to aim for a healthy and balanced diet. Find an alternative to overindulging such as exercise.” –