Belly Fat Caused by Stress?

[shoe]

This article reports on findings that link belly fat to stress. It appears that the more stressed a person is, the more fat is stored in the belly. Hormone levels are then reduced by increasingly larger amounts of fat stored in this area. Their findings also show that people tend to crave 'comfort' food more when stressed, another causal factor in fat creation.

They also talk about cortisol-reduction products that supposedly help people lose weight. (Cortisol is considered the 'stress hormone') The FDA and FTC have pressured these companies to stop advertising their unproven weight-loss claims.

It is theorized that stress-reduction activities such as meditation and yoga could help people manage their weight, in addition to exercise.

http://www.psycport.com/showArticle.cfm?xmlFile=ap%5F2005%5F07%5F19%5Fap%2 Eds%2Edsf%2Eall%5FD8BEG7E00%5Fnews%5Fap%5Forg%2Ean pa%2Exml&provider=Associated%20Press

*Note: This article isn't specifically anxiety-related, but stress is a common factor for anxiety sufferers, and when cortisol (the stress-hormone) is released, serotonin levels are affected as well. And serotonin is linked to depression and anxiety.

Check out these two articles for information on cortisol, serotonin, diet and depression (I've posted these a few times in other places):

http://womentowomen.com/LIBdietdilemma.asp

http://womentowomen.com/LIBantidepressants.asp

[NashvilleQueen]

I definitely agree with this article. The science behind stress and the overwhelming effect it has on the body made me start doing meditation and yoga as part of my therapy. It works and I was a skeptic for sure.

[harryson9890]

If you want to lose fat successfully, it is important to stop eating too frequently. The intake of food should be such that it keeps your stomach filled for a long period of time. Evasion of high-calorie food and eating low-calorie but healthy food brings considerable decline in weight. Eat fiber rich food like lentils, apple, peas, cereals, and nuts etc. These foods will keep your digestive system strong and will also repress your hunger.