"Killer At Large" -- How Stress Makes Us Fat

bjshields

I just saw this fascinating documentary I wanted to share with everybody. It's on Netflix, and I had never heard of it before, so I don't know how easy it is to get a hold of. At any rate, it's called "Killer at Large," about obesity and weight issues. A scientist was discussing STRESS and how stress has evolved, while our bodies really have not.

Here's basically what he said:

When we were hunting and scavenging for food, our stress would usually come from a tiger or another animal who wanted to eat US for dinner; adrenaline would rush through our system, and we'd run like the wind to get out of dodge before we turned INTO dinner before consuming dinner. The adrenaline rush was fast and furious, and so it was OVER quickly.

Fast forward a few million years, and our stressors are long and drawn out -- financial issues, child care, work, familial issues, etc. It's an ongoing, daily, monthly, yearly thing that has introduced not just adrenaline to our systems, but cortisol. Cortisol is that b*#%h of a hormone that makes our bellies fat.

What the scientist said that just floored me was basically -- everybody says "diet and exercise" again and again, just get on top of that, and you'll be in great shape. Easy, right? According to him, the role of constant, ongoing stress in our lives is far underappreciated.

ONGOING STRESS sends two messages to your body: 1 -- EAT; 2 -- HOLD ON TO CALORIES. So if you're under stress at work, at home, financially, physically, etc., taking a bath may be as good of an option as taking a run. Of course, we DO need to eat right and exercise, we all know that. But I've begun asking myself: how stressed am I? how do I feel today? should I hit the elliptical or read a book this morning? It's really revolutionized the way I look at stress in my life.

This Christmas week, stressors may abound. Personally, over the past 48 hours, I've been mad, upset or hurt about 50 times; you read that correctly, 5-0. Between my three kids, my husband, in-laws, my mom, illness, etc., it's been a rough couple of days around here. So I did just hit the elliptical, but now I'm going to go read, and maybe even take a bath.

Has anybody else thought or read much about this cortisol-fat connection? I find it fascinating, and I'm really beginning to wonder: maybe being upset or stressed is just as bad for us as overeating and not exercising enough?

AdamATGATT

I'd totally believe it. I think this paper I have due for my course is a big reason I have hit a nasty plateau. Hopefully once I turn it in tomorrow life will go back to normal.

Black_Swan

I totally agree, I think stress does that to a lot of people.

dancer77

I do think stress has a big effect on our bodies. I haven't noticed a weight-related symptom, but during finals week (and other times like that) I will break out BADLY. Even when I think I am handling stress well.

Dlibo1013

no doubt about. Funny or not funny I am having the same kind of Holiday as you

Mhaney

I have seen that movie in my "instant" list on the Wii but haven't watched it yet.. but I do believe it. I carry a lot of my weight in the midsection and there's a lot of stress to go around.

msamcoates

I'm having the same stressful holiday and it causes me to drink abd eat.

Dom80

Totally true. I was skinny as in stick thin until I hit 13 and had to take care of a sick parent....ever since then I packed on the weight. Not only are you more prone to overeating but your metabolism gets all funky....

Im learning to deal with by exercising.

Stinger97

I'd like to point out that over half the adults in that documentary talking about how people and children are obese are fat themselves. Uh.