We have all heard about the usual lament that stress makes people overweight. This is another of those supposed coping mechanism that people under stress adopt. It is only partly true. In reality, when people are stressed out, the body releases cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone in the body that is often triggered by stress. When cortisol is released in higher than normal amounts, it triggers pangs of hunger and then one may eat often to excess. What is worse is that when stress is elevated, cortisol works in a way where it stores fat, especially in the area where we do not like it most, the abdominal region. And then a cycle is started. As one fails to manage stress, eating is resorted to that releases additional cortisol further storing fat in the belly and so it goes on. This affects both men and women in a similar fashion. [Read more...]