This review explores the link between stress and obesity. Chronic stress, often linked to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, plays a significant role in the development of obesity. This review discusses how stress affects different body systems, including those that control hunger, metabolism, and fat storage. It highlights how prolonged stress can lead to unhealthy behaviours, such as overeating, reduced physical activity, and poor sleep, which together increase the risk of obesity. Additionally, the article explores the role of cortisol in these processes. Managing stress through lifestyle changes, therapy, and medications could help in addressing obesity and related health issues.
The review suggests that managing stress could be crucial in treating and preventing obesity. Healthcare professionals should incorporate stress-reduction strategies in their practice, while future research could further investigate the role of stress hormones in obesity. Policymakers might promote mental health initiatives to help reduce obesity rates.
Figure: Stress response pathways describing the stress–obesity connection, highlighting the significance of understanding stress across the physiological, affective, cognitive and behavioural domain. Weight stigma, exogenous glucocorticoid use and tissue-specific glucocorticoid production can subsequently increase stress, thus creating a vicious circle with negative consequences on mental and physical health outcomes. Created in biorender.com
Glucocorticoids and HPA axis regulation in the stress–obesity connection: A comprehensive overview of biological, physiological and behavioural dimensions. Lengton, R., Schoenmakers, M., Penninx, B.W.J.H., Boon, M.R., & van Rossum, E.F.C. Clinical Obesity
