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Learn More About The Science Of Obesity, Weight Loss & Regain, & Weight Management. Discover How Managing Excess Weight Can Impact One's Health.
Don’t ask a search engine, ask a board-certified doctor. Get help anytime, anywhere. Understanding the difference between tiredness and fatigue is essential for well-being
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Aug 17, 2022 · Unexplained weight loss has many causes, medical and nonmedical. Often, a combination of things results in a general decline in your health and a related weight loss. Most often, medical disorders that cause weight loss include other symptoms.
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy. It can be a normal response to physical activity, emotional stress, boredom, or lack of sleep, but it can also signal a more serious mental or physical condition. Everyone feels tired now and then.
- Overview
- Signs your weight loss is connected to stress
- Why weight loss happens
- When is weight loss cause for concern?
- What you can do to help get your meals on track
- The bottom line
For many people, stress can have a direct impact on their weight. Whether it causes weight loss or weight gain can vary from person to person — and even situation to situation.
In some cases, stress may lead to missed meals and poor food choices. For others, stress may cause them to completely lose the desire to eat. Oftentimes, this change is only temporary. Your weight may return to normal once the stressor has passed.
Stress can cause more than just unexpected weight loss. Other symptoms of stress include:
•headaches
•indigestion
•aches and pains
•tense muscles
•mood changes
Your body’s “fight or flight” response can speed up your metabolism
When you’re stressed, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode. Also known as the “acute stress response,” this physiological mechanism tells your body it must respond to a perceived threat. Your body readies itself by releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline prepares your body for vigorous activity, but it can also minimize your desire to eat. Meanwhile, cortisol signals for your body to temporarily suppress functions that are nonessential during a crisis. This includes your digestive, immune, and reproductive system responses.
Hyperstimulation can lead to gastrointestinal distress
Your body slows digestion during the “fight or flight” response so it can focus on how to respond to the stressor. This can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as: •stomach pain •heartburn •diarrhea •constipation Chronic stress can amplify these symptoms and result in other underlying conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome. These changes to your digestive system may cause you to eat less, subsequently losing weight.
You may not feel the desire to eat
The all-consuming power of stress may leave you unable to think about anything else. This may affect your eating habits. You may not feel hungry or may forget to eat altogether when experiencing stress, leading to weight loss.
Although dropping a pound or two typically isn’t cause for concern, unexpected or undesired weight loss takes a toll on your body.
See a doctor or other healthcare professional if you’ve lost five percent or more of your overall body weight in any 6- to 12-month period.
You should also see a doctor if you:
•are losing weight without trying
•have chronic headaches
•have chest pain
Set a reminder on your phone to trigger mealtimes
You may be too stressed to remember to eat or your body’s stressed state may alter your feelings of hunger. To avoid missing meals, set an alarm on your smartphone or computer to remind yourself to eat.
Eat something small
Sticking to a regular eating schedule helps keep your blood glucose levels in check. Even a few small bites at mealtimes can help combat stress and may minimize further mood changes. If you can, opt for foods high in protein or fiber. Avoid unnecessary sugar and caffeine, which can spike your energy levels and later result in an energy crash.
Lean toward foods that can help improve your mood and manage stress
Skipping sweets and other treats in favor of something healthy can have a noticeable impact on the way your body feels. A good rule of thumb is to stick to whole foods, like fruits and veggies. Some of our functional favorites: •Oranges and carrots contain immune-boosting antioxidants. •Leafy vegetables contain vitamin B, which helps regulate your nerves. •Whole grains contain serotonin-boosting complex carbohydrates. Increasing your serotonin levels may have a calming effect. •Salmon and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce stress. •Nuts and seeds also contain stress-busting omega-3 fatty acids.
You may be able to work through minimal stress-related weight loss at home, but you should see a healthcare professional if you’ve lost more than 5 percent of your overall body weight in a short span of time.
Your doctor can help determine why stress is having such a significant impact on your weight and create a management plan suited to your needs. This may mean working with a nutritionist to develop a meal plan and speaking with a therapist about your day-to-day stressors.
- Natalie Silver
Jun 30, 2023 · Losing weight without trying may indicate an underlying condition. Conditions that cause unexplained weight loss include overactive thyroid, inflammatory bowel disease, and depression. A good...
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May 28, 2020 · Stress, especially chronic stress, can cause weight loss or weight gain due to its effects on bodily processes. Stress affects the production of stress hormones and the GI system, which can lead...
Constantly feeling tired and low on energy can create harmful side effects for your aging loved one: as a result of dealing with ongoing fatigue, many older adults experience depression, mood swings, and anger.
People also ask
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Sep 18, 2024 · Hormonal Imbalance. During perimenopause and menopause, the body’s natural hormone balance — especially estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone — begins to weaken. The resulting imbalance can trigger uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes, extreme fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, low libido, brain fog and more. Increased Stress.
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related to: can stress cause weight loss and fatigue in women over 60Learn About Chronic Itp Signs And Symptoms Like Fatigue, Low Platelets, And Bruising. Learn About How Itp Is Diagnosed, What Your Doctor May Look For, & Platelet Count Ranges.
Learn More About The Science Of Obesity, Weight Loss & Regain, & Weight Management. Discover How Managing Excess Weight Can Impact One's Health.
Don’t ask a search engine, ask a board-certified doctor. Get help anytime, anywhere. Understanding the difference between tiredness and fatigue is essential for well-being
