It feels like you’re always hearing someone talk about a new diet or juice cleanse they’re on, right? That’s because everyone is trying to get fit and lose those extra pounds. However, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, two-thirds of Americans (more than 215 million people) are now over-weight or obese.
According to fitness author Jorge Cruise, stress is one of the main factors in our battle against the bulge. “More than just poor dieting or exercise habits, the hidden component affecting our weight is stress that activates our stress hormones. It’s so insidious and so prevalent in our lives that the American Psychological Association (APA) calls chronic stress “a public health crisis,”” he writes in his new book Stubborn Fat Gone! Think about it – stress is pretty much an accepted part of our lives. In fact, if we’re not panicking about studying for an exam, starting a new internship, or moving away from home, we wonder why we’re so calm. Turns out, that stress can equal belly fat.
“When you’re stressed, your hypo-thalamus, a tiny region at the base of your forebrain, sends a signal to your pituitary gland that prompts your adrenal glands, located atop your kidneys, to release a surge of hormones, mainly the stress hormone cortisol,” Cruise writes. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re rushing to meet a deadline or running away from a hungry lion, your body’s response is the same: release cortisol to keep your blood sugar up and give you the energy you need to deal with the stressor.
“At the proper level in your body, cortisol helps maintain blood pressure and blood sugar levels, acts as an anti- inflammatory, and helps regulate the immune system. Really, it acts as a protective mechanism for your body. It also helps you mobilize fat from storage to be used as energy. When in check, cortisol is a wonderful aid for your health. However, your system is not equipped to deal with consistently high levels of this hormone.”
For ways to find out how you can turn off stress and lose weight, pick up Stubborn Fat Gone!
Stress Is Causing You To Gain Weight – Find Out Why
