Stress and weight gain: the number two cause
When we talk about stress and weight gain, most people automatically think of two things: calories and training. Their role is undeniable – but they aren’t the whole truth.
The number 1 cause of excess weight is a hormonal mix-up called insulin resistance.
The number 2 cause, though, is something most people wouldn’t even suspect: chronic stress.
And yes – exactly the kind of stress where you don’t eat a single gram, yet your blood sugar rises just as if you’d eaten a big jam pastry.
How does stress give your body a “jam pastry effect”?
The body can’t tell whether:
- you’re angry at your spouse,
- your boss calls you at exactly the wrong moment,
- or you really have to run away from a wolf.
To the brain, all of these situations are a potential threat.
And when there’s a threat, the stress hormone cortisol kicks in, which in turn:
- releases glucose from the liver’s glycogen stores,
- raises blood sugar,
- and forces the pancreas to release insulin.
The end result?
Blood sugar swings just as intense as after a fast-digesting carbohydrate.
If this happens rarely – no big deal.
If it happens every day – the problems begin:
- the body stores more fat,
- weight plateaus appear even with a perfect nutrition plan,
- appetite spirals out of control.
A special risk group: women over 35 and those approaching menopause
In perimenopausal and menopausal women, hormones already fluctuate – and the effect of cortisol is stronger.
This means that even with very solid nutrition and training, weight can stall or go up.
Overlooking stress is the biggest mistake here.
How can you reduce stress so your weight starts dropping again?
Here are three daily strategies that Fitness.ee readers and coaches use as well.
1. A mindful morning kick-start ritual
Your morning sets the pace for the whole day.
The author shares their own ritual:
- a short breathing exercise
- consciously steering your thoughts
- a positivity practice
Focusing on the negative is natural and automatic.
Positive thoughts need deliberate guidance – but the effect is very quick.
(If desired, a separate video tutorial on this can be made for Fitness.ee readers.)
2. Avoid workouts that are too long and draining
Yes – even excessive training can get in the way of fat burning.
When the body is stressed:
- cortisol rises,
- recovery gets worse,
- fat burning slows down,
- and body weight may even go up.
This applies especially to people who do several workouts a day or whose job is physically demanding.
Good shape doesn’t come from “more training,” but from the right training volume + quality recovery.
3. Ashwagandha – a natural stress reducer
Ashwagandha is one of the few natural adaptogens whose effect on the stress hormone has been scientifically confirmed.
How does ashwagandha work?
- lowers cortisol levels,
- calms the nervous system,
- helps keep anxiety and overstrain in check,
- improves sleep,
- improves your stress tolerance during the day.
It is not an antidepressant.
It won’t make your mood “beautiful”; it supports the body’s physiological ability to cope with stress.
Better sleep = less appetite
More stable mood = less snacking
Lower cortisol = better fat burning
Summary
Stress can stall your weight loss because it:
- raises blood sugar even when you haven’t eaten,
- keeps insulin high,
- disrupts sleep,
- slows recovery,
- and makes the body store fat.
If your menu and training are in order but the results aren’t coming – stress is the prime suspect.
Want to get started?
✔ 180 tablets (enough for up to a year, depending on your stress level)
✔ suitable for daily use
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Important! This is not an antidepressant, meaning it doesn’t work like popping a tablet under your tongue and suddenly the world looks wonderful. Rather, consistent use during more stressful periods gives better results.
Grab this supplement here. The jar contains 180 tablets, which lasts me about a year, depending on how stressful the periods are.
Author: Heikki Mägi recommends Frillice.com
Come and train! ArtGym
