(BlackDoctor.org) -- You get upset, you eat. You get depressed, you eat. You go through a breakup, you eat. For years, people have suspected that stress and obesity are linked, and now scientific research has found evidence to support this connection.
The Biological Connection Ever notice that when you're really stressed, you tend to crave comfort foods that are high in fat or sugar? Researchers have found that specific hormones may play a role in this process.
• Serotonin. When we reach for fattening, comfort foods during stressful times, it may be an attempt to self-medicate. When we eat carbohydrates, it raises the body's serotonin level. Serotonin is the body's feel-good chemical. It makes you feel better. Not surprisingly, people under stress don't tend to make smart food choices. Very often the carbohydrates that people go for are laden with fat, like muffins, pastries, doughnuts, and cookies. Unfortunately, we're not craving whole-wheat pasta.
• Cortisol. Researchers have also discovered that chronic stress can cause the body to release excess cortisol, a hormone critical in managing fat storage and energy use in the human body. Cortisol is known to increase appetite and may encourage cravings for sugary or fatty foods.
• Neuropeptide Y. More recent studies also suggest that our bodies may process food differently when we're under stress. One study found that lab mice fed a diet high in fat and sugar gained significant amounts of body fat when placed under stressful conditions. Mice fed a normal diet, however, didn't gain as much weight despite stress. Researchers linked that phenomenon to a molecule called neuropeptide Y that is released from nerve cells during stress and encourages fat accumulation. A diet high in fat and sugar appears to further promote the release of neuropeptide Y.
Terrific informatin! Now pass me that fat and sugar! LOL!
Actually, I've always noticed when I'm feeling stressed I tend to want to munch. I'm sure there has to be some truth in the study's research. I also believe it may be true with many people who have moods of depression too. Anyway, I really enjoyed the read. Thank you Jen!
Wednesday, October 7th 2009 at 10:22AM
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