Can stress cause weight loss?

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Can stress impact my weight in a negative way?
Stress has different effects on different people, especially when it is prolonged and chronic. Some people overeat in response to stress leading to weight gain and some people experience a loss of appetite leading to weight loss. Although stress can be a cause of weight changes, sudden drastic changes in weight should be evaluated by a doctor.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Stress is a normal and unavoidable part of life, and it can actually be helpful in certain situations. However, it can be harmful when it is prolonged, severe, or chronic. Stress may result in various physical and mental health problems. In this article, we will discuss whether stress can cause weight loss, and, if yes, then how.

Is it possible for stress to be a causative factor for weight loss?

Yes, stress can cause weight loss in some people. When you’re under stress, your body releases a hormone called cortisol, which can affect your appetite and metabolism. Some people may experience a loss of appetite due to stress, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss. Additionally, stress can also increase the body’s metabolic rate, causing you to burn calories faster.

However, it is important to note that not everyone will experience weight loss as a result of stress. Some people may actually gain weight due to stress as they turn to food as a form of comfort or coping mechanism. 

How can stress cause weight loss?

Chronic stress can cause a change in your weight. It can lead to both increase or decrease in weight. People react to stress differently, and it causes a shift in their eating patterns. For some, chronic stress can result in overeating. It doesn’t mean that if a person eats often, they’ll always gain weight. On the other hand, some find consuming food unappealing.

Stress can also indirectly cause weight loss by disrupting sleep patterns. Disruption in sleep can affect hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. Lack of proper sleep can also increase cortisol levels, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss. Chronic stress can also cause anxiety, which may diminish your desire to eat, thereby leading to weight loss.

It is important to note that stress can affect each person differently. Stress may not be cured or completely eliminated from our lives, but it can be managed and reduced. However, weight loss can be associated with many other health problems, such as erectile dysfunction and stress may not be the only contributor. If you are losing weight drastically, it is necessary that you consult your doctor for further medical investigation to avoid negative impacts on overall health and well-being.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Can stress impact my weight in a negative way?
Stress has different effects on different people, especially when it is prolonged and chronic. Some people overeat in response to stress leading to weight gain and some people experience a loss of appetite leading to weight loss. Although stress can be a cause of weight changes, sudden drastic changes in weight should be evaluated by a doctor.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can stress impact my weight in a negative way?
Stress has different effects on different people, especially when it is prolonged and chronic. Some people overeat in response to stress leading to weight gain and some people experience a loss of appetite leading to weight loss. Although stress can be a cause of weight changes, sudden drastic changes in weight should be evaluated by a doctor.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can stress impact my weight in a negative way?
Stress has different effects on different people, especially when it is prolonged and chronic. Some people overeat in response to stress leading to weight gain and some people experience a loss of appetite leading to weight loss. Although stress can be a cause of weight changes, sudden drastic changes in weight should be evaluated by a doctor.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can stress impact my weight in a negative way?
Stress has different effects on different people, especially when it is prolonged and chronic. Some people overeat in response to stress leading to weight gain and some people experience a loss of appetite leading to weight loss. Although stress can be a cause of weight changes, sudden drastic changes in weight should be evaluated by a doctor.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can stress impact my weight in a negative way?
Stress has different effects on different people, especially when it is prolonged and chronic. Some people overeat in response to stress leading to weight gain and some people experience a loss of appetite leading to weight loss. Although stress can be a cause of weight changes, sudden drastic changes in weight should be evaluated by a doctor.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Can stress impact my weight in a negative way?
Stress has different effects on different people, especially when it is prolonged and chronic. Some people overeat in response to stress leading to weight gain and some people experience a loss of appetite leading to weight loss. Although stress can be a cause of weight changes, sudden drastic changes in weight should be evaluated by a doctor.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can stress impact my weight in a negative way?
Stress has different effects on different people, especially when it is prolonged and chronic. Some people overeat in response to stress leading to weight gain and some people experience a loss of appetite leading to weight loss. Although stress can be a cause of weight changes, sudden drastic changes in weight should be evaluated by a doctor.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can stress impact my weight in a negative way?
Stress has different effects on different people, especially when it is prolonged and chronic. Some people overeat in response to stress leading to weight gain and some people experience a loss of appetite leading to weight loss. Although stress can be a cause of weight changes, sudden drastic changes in weight should be evaluated by a doctor.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can stress impact my weight in a negative way?
Stress has different effects on different people, especially when it is prolonged and chronic. Some people overeat in response to stress leading to weight gain and some people experience a loss of appetite leading to weight loss. Although stress can be a cause of weight changes, sudden drastic changes in weight should be evaluated by a doctor.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can stress impact my weight in a negative way?
Stress has different effects on different people, especially when it is prolonged and chronic. Some people overeat in response to stress leading to weight gain and some people experience a loss of appetite leading to weight loss. Although stress can be a cause of weight changes, sudden drastic changes in weight should be evaluated by a doctor.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Dr. Shikha Shiromani
Dr. Shikha Shiromani
A dental surgeon by education and medical writer by profession, Shikha is passionate to bring her knowledge and experience in busting the myths around medicine and health. At THIP, she is involved in researching, fact-checking and answering all kinds of questions related to health.
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