Stress Response Predicts Weight Gain

Levels of adrenal hormones, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, accurately predict future gains in BMI, waist circumference and body fat levels. An 18-year follow up study found that those having the highest epinephrine responses to the mental stress gained the most weight. Similar results for cortisol have already been established.

This raises questions for those using stimulant based, fat burner type products. These products work by raising adrenal hormones and producing a stress response. Long term, they are likely to backfire.

Stress management techniques such as meditation, proper sleep and low to moderate intensity exercise lower stress and adrenal output.

PMID: 18541545

2 Comments

  1. Ethan June 25, 2009
  2. Calorie Counter July 10, 2008

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