Stress And Belly Fat - Can They Go Together?

There's no doubt that stress contributes to belly fat, as well as stress related health problems like heart disease. One major contributing factor to belly fat is; stress. You must, therefore, have stress management. In a previous post, we talked about how to tame (not tame, but affordably) your stress in many simple (okay, not simple, but worth the try) steps. In this one, we're digging even further to uncover what stress does to your body and mind and, hopefully, what you can do about it.

Did you know that cortisol is the "fight or flight" hormone and that this stress hormone accounts for much of the excess fat around our bellies? cortisol levels peak during times of stress and when we are threatened, the adrenal glands release large amounts of cortisol. The end result is excess belly fat because the fat cells become over-stimulated. So, if stress and cortisol levels remain high, chances are your belly fat will as well.

Research has shown that there is an inherent link between stress and cortisol and insulin resistance. People who are stressed often have higher insulin resistance levels than those who are not stressed. However, it is not the stress hormone that leads to increased insulin resistance, but rather the changes in the amounts of the stress hormones and their receptors.

When you are stressed, your brain releases a neuropeptide Y (NPY), a hormone that increases glucose uptake. As mentioned, increased glucose uptake is a contributing factor to the development of belly fat around the midsection. Another chemical that is released with stress and cortisol levels is noradrenaline. This chemical causes your liver to produce more glycogen, the fuel for your muscles. Glycogen is the primary source of glucose for your liver and also for your blood stream.

How can you make sure that you're getting enough sleep? Sleep is a great stress reliever and can also contribute to weight loss. A lack of sleep can cause your body to produce more hormones which are meant to break down stored fat cells. You can see why eating healthy and exercise is the best way to gain weight and stop belly fat from developing. Avoid unhealthy foods and make sure to get plenty of rest.

Stress and cortisol actually work together to cause insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. This is why stress and belly fat are commonly found in people who have already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Stress is also known to contribute to heart disease and hypertension. So, if you have high stress levels and you're trying to lose weight, you should consider reducing them or eliminate stress as a way to lose weight.

Is your liver suffering from chronic stress and belly fat accumulation? Chronic stress and cortisol can damage your liver's cells and lead to liver failure. If you have chronic stress and your cortisol levels are high, you should seek treatment to improve your health. Your liver is the primary organ that produces insulin, the hormone that tells your cells to store glucose. When you're in a chronic state of stress and your liver is suffering from chronic stress, it will produce too much insulin and this will lead to an insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. You should try to reduce your daily stress by practicing meditation, yoga, aromatherapy and deep breathing techniques.

Chronic stress and cortisol levels can also cause hormonal imbalances and abnormal hunger sensations. If you have abnormal hunger sensations and your cortisol levels are high, you may be suffering from a condition known as insulin resistance, which is characterized by abnormally high blood sugars and abnormal cravings for sugar. You should try to get as much sleep as possible, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and reduce stress. In addition, you should consult with a doctor who can recommend other treatments for your specific condition.