How Stress Impacts Fat Storage (and How to Fix It)
How Stress Affects Fat Storage — and What You Can Do About It Stress can quietly sabotage your fat-loss goals, making those stubborn pounds linger no matter how well you eat or exercise. During Halloween, when candy bowls seem endless and indulgence is everywhere, understanding stress and its effect on your body is more important than ever. 1. The Science of Stress and Fat Storage When stressed, your body releases cortisol , the “stress hormone.” Cortisol signals your body to store fat — especially around the belly — as an evolutionary survival mechanism. Chronic stress keeps cortisol high, creating an environment where fat accumulates. Why Belly Fat? Visceral fat is metabolically active and reacts strongly to cortisol spikes. Stress increases cravings for high-calorie “comfort” foods — think chocolate or candy corn. High cortisol can disrupt sleep, slowing metabolism further. 2. Recognize Your Stress Triggers Awareness is the first step. Stress comes fr...