A person is officially declared obese when their body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher. In the United States, approximately 35.5% of women and 32.2% of men are obese. Is it safe to say that stress may have been a contributing factor for obesity in some of those Americans? According to some researchers, the answer is yes.
Studies have linked stress to certain biochemical changes in the body that can trigger cravings. Over time, those cravings and the unhealthy diet choices that result can directly contribute to obesity. In addition, this connection tends to be self-reinforcing.
Experts suggest that the best way to stop stress from increasing your obesity risk is to keep yourself from becoming too hungry. Eat five or six small, healthy meals per day rather than three larger meals. If possible, stock your kitchen cabinets with only healthy, non-processed foods so that if stress triggers your cravings, you won’t have temptation within reach. Another important tip is to deal with what’s stressing you out. Doing so can help your health in more ways than one.
HEALTH DANGERS OF OBESITY
Obesity is dangerous because it’s a major risk factor for a slew of life-threatening diseases including stroke, heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and more. If you are overweight or obese, you can take a proactive approach to your health by not only losing weight, but also taking advantage of health screenings that may detect dangerous conditions sooner so the right treatment can be sought.
Take your health into your own hands by scheduling a preventive health screening today.
