Stress and its relationship with weight
There is truth behind the phrase "stress eating." Stress, the hormones it unleashes, and the foods we eat can push people towards overeating. Research has linked weight gain to stress. According to an American Psychological Association survey, about one-fourth of Americans rate their stress level as 8 or more on a 10 point scale. And in the past two years, many people's stress levels have increased, primarily due to the pandemic and everything that comes with it. And when stress persists, we tend to overeat. When we are stressed over a long period, our body releases cortisol – which increases appetite and motivation, including our motivation to eat. Once a stressful episode is over, cortisol levels should fall. But if our stress does not go away, we might stay in this increased appetite state long term. Stress can also affect food preferences. Numerous studies have shown that physical or emotional distress increases the intake of foods high in fat, sugar, or both. Once in