Can Stress Contribute to Weight Gain?

Yes, stress can contribute to weight gain in some people. When you're under stress, your body produces the stress hormone called cortisol, which can increase your appetite and lead you to overeat. Additionally, stress can cause you to turn to high-calorie, sugary, or fatty foods for comfort, which can add excess calories to your diet and lead to weight gain over time.

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Moreover, stress can also interfere with your ability to get a good night's sleep, and poor sleep has been linked to weight gain. When you don't get enough sleep, your body produces more of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates your appetite, and less of the hormone leptin, which signals fullness. This can make you feel hungrier and eat more, leading to weight gain.

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It's important to find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques, to avoid stress-related weight gain.

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