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Lose the Stress, Lose the Weight: Your Ultimate Guide

Life Coaching

Article By Lujain

Article By Lujain

Stress is a part of life, but when it becomes chronic, it can have a serious impact on our health. One of the most significant effects of stress is weight gain. In the UK, a staggering two-thirds of adults are either overweight or obese, and stress is a contributing factor. Chronic stress triggers a hormonal response that can lead to weight gain, especially around the belly. Read about the link between stress and weight loss, and our favourite tips on how to manage stress to help achieve your weight loss goals.

The link between stress and weight gain:

Research has shown that stress affects the body’s hormonal balance, which can lead to weight gain. Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that increases blood sugar levels and promotes the storage of fat, especially around the belly. Over time, the constant release of cortisol can lead to insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Stress can also lead to emotional eating, as people turn to food to cope with stress and anxiety.

Managing Stress for Weight Loss:

If you’re struggling to lose weight, managing your stress levels may help. Here are some tips on how to manage stress to support your weight loss goals:

  1. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help reduce stress and improve emotional wellbeing.
  2. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can increase cortisol levels and lead to weight gain. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
  3. Exercise regularly: Exercise is a natural stress reliever and can help improve mood and promote weight loss.
  4. Seek support: Talking to friends, family, or a mental health professional can help reduce stress and improve emotional wellbeing.
  5. Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help reduce inflammation and promote weight loss.

 

In addition to lifestyle changes and stress management techniques, medication such as Wegovy (Semaglutide) can also be an effective tool in weight loss for those struggling with obesity and related health issues. Wegovy is a prescription medication that has been clinically proven to help adults lose an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, which can improve overall health and reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases.

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Resources:
  1. Obesity Statistics - House of Commons Library. (2021). UK Parliament. Retrieved 27 March 2021, from https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn03336/
  2. Epel, E. S., McEwen, B., Seeman, T., Matthews, K., Castellazzo, G., Brownell, K. D., ... & Ickovics, J. R. (2000). Stress and body shape: stress-induced cortisol secretion is consistently greater among women with central fat. Psychosomatic Medicine, 62(5), 623-632.
  3. Moyer, A. E., Rodin, J., Grilo, C. M., Cummings, N., Larson, L. M., & Rebuffé-Scrive, M. (1994). Stress-induced cortisol response and fat distribution in women. Obesity Research, 2(3), 255-262.