Researchers have long known that rises in the stress hormone cortisol can lead to weight gain. This is because every time you are stressed, your adrenal glands release adrenaline and cortisol, and as a result, glucose is released into your bloodstream. All of this is done to give you the energy you need to escape from a dangerous situation (it’s known as the fight or flight response). Once the threat has subsided, your adrenaline high wears off and your blood sugar spike drops. This is when cortisol kicks into high gear to replenish your energy supply quickly. Cortisol cues sugar craving as your body knows this is a quick source of fuel and it also slows your metabolism causing you to burn less energy – both of these responses can lead to fat storage and weight gain.

In addition to the hormonal changes stress can lead to behavioural changes which can result in unhealthy food choices. Stress is linked to emotional eating and binge eating, exercising less, choosing fast food options, skipping meals and sleeping less.

We are always going to have stress in our lives so we need to introduce practices that help us better manage it – schedule time in your daily to routine to make some of the following stress relievers a priority:

• Exercise

• Meditation

• Spend time outdoors in nature

• Practicing yoga

• Practice different breathing techniques such as box breathing or the Wim Hof method.

• Massage

• Spend time with family and friends.

If we find stress is beyond our control occasionally the only answer is to remove the stressor in your life this might mean changing your job or leaving an unhealthy relationship. Individuals often find once they make the change and are less stressed and happier that the excess weight falls off.