Negative effects: Weight Loss, Eating Disorders

Weight Gain. Often stress is related to weight gain and Obesity. Many people develop cravings for salt, fat, and sugar to counteract tension and, thus, gain weight. Weight gain can occur even with a healthy diet, however, in some people exposed to stress. And the weight gained is often abdominal fat, a predictor of Diabetes and heart problems. In a 2000 study, lean women who gained weight in response to stress tended to be less able to adapt to and manage stressful conditions. The release of cortisol, a major stress hormone, appears to promote abdominal fat and may be the primary connection between stress and weight gain in such people.

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Definition
Acute or Chronic Stress
Effect of Acute Stress?
Negative effects
Risk Factors
Diagnose
Stress Guidelines
Treatment
Stress reduction methods
Relaxation Techniques

Weight Loss. Some people suffer a loss of appetite and lose weight. In rare cases, stress may trigger hyperactivity of the thyroid gland, stimulating appetite but causing the body to burn up calories at a faster than normal rate.

Eating disorders . Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia nervosa are Eating disorders that are highly associated with adjustment problems in response to stress and emotional issues.

Diabetes
Chronic stress has been associated with the development of insulin-resistance, a condition in which the body is unable to use insulin effectively to regulate glucose (blood sugar). Insulin-resistance is a primary factor in . Stress can also exacerbate existing by impairing the patient's ability to manage the disease effectively.