Chronic Stress Linked to Weight Gain

Stress is something that everyone experiences, albeit some people have higher stress levels than others. While it may seem harmless enough, though, stress can take a toll on many aspects of your health, including your waistline.

According to a new study conducted by researchers from the University of College London, people who suffer from chronic long-term stress are more susceptible to weight gain and obesity.

For the study, researchers followed more than 2,500 men and women, all of whom were 54 years of age or older, over the course or four years. Researchers collected a hir sample from each participant so they could measure the participants' cortisol levels, which is a hormone linked to stress. 

Other studies have linked cortisol to obesity, suggesting that people who suffer from chronic stress are more likely to gain weight. However, tese studies have largely relied on cortisol samples through blood, saliva or urine. This new study differs in the sense that cortisol samples were taken from participants' hair instead, which researchers say is more accurate.

So, what did they find? Researchers found that participants with higher levels of the hormone cortisol in their hair samples had larger waist sizes than their counterparts. Furthermore, these participants were also heavier with a higher body mas index (BMI), suggesting the presence of more fat and less muscle. Participants who were classified as obese -- either by BMI or waist size -- had exceptionally higher levels of cortisol in their hair.

These findings suggest that levels of the stress hormone cortisol does in fact play a role in weight management. It's important to note, however, that the study was done on older adults over the age of 54. Therefore, there could be differences in how cortisol reacts in younger adults and individuals. Nonetheless, this study should serve as an eye-opener to the potential dangers of stress and how it relates to your waistline.

"These results provide consistent evidence that chronic stress is associated with higher levels of obesity,” explained lead researcher and author Dr. Sarah Jackson of the University College London department of Epidemiology and Public Health.“People who had higher hair cortisol levels also tended to have larger waist measurements, which is important because carrying excess fat around the abdomen is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and premature death.”

This study was published in the journal Obesity.