Help! Stress makes me lose weight

DEAR DONOVAN,Is it a good idea to work out when feeling mentally stressed?

I’m going through a divorce right now, as well as a hectic work schedule, and these two factors combined make it almost impossible for me to feel the drive to do anything, much less exercise.

However, I want to keep fit and keep my weight at the current 130 pounds (I’m 5 feet 5 inches). Stress makes me lose weight, so I’m trying to find a way to maintain my current weight, while maintaining some kind of fitness regimen.

What would you suggest as exercises and meals that will work to ease my stress levels?

Exercising and staying active have been shown to have several physical and mental health benefits.

Exercise, for example, has been shown to improve mood and reduce the feeling of depression, anxiety and stress. Overall, exercise causes changes in the part of the brain that is associated with stress and anxiety.

Additionally, exercise may even improve the brain sensitivity to the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which can reduce the feeling of depression. Exercise can also increase the production of endorphins, which help to improve mood and may even reduce the feeling of pain.

Interestingly, studies have shown that the effect of exercise and its benefits can even occur over short periods.

Also, exercise may help with weight and overall weight management. It should be noted that exercise can also help to increase your metabolic rate, which can help to burn more calories.

Exercise is also good for your muscles and bones and may also increase your energy level. It can also be said that exercise helps to reduce the risk of several chronic diseases, and it also helps to increase brain sharpness and memory.

Additionally, exercise helps with relaxation and sleep quality and may also improve mood and health. Overall, it should be noted that exercise can improve the cardiovascular system and blood flow.

I see where you are going through at least two stressful situations at this time. I can really understand why you don’t want to do many things, including exercise.

It is a known fact that exercise and stress can make you lose weight. In addition to all of this, you would like to keep your weight at 130 pounds. This does seem like a tricky situation.

However, my suggestion is that you use your willpower to restart your exercise programme. You could start within a short time span and increase over time.

As mentioned previously, exercise will produce feel-good hormones as well as positively influence the areas of the brain that control stress and depression. Exercise will improve your general health.

It is a known factor that stress is a major risk factor for cardiovascular issues. That said, if you are able to control your stress, then there is a good chance that your weight will remain at about 130 pounds.

However, if you find out that you are losing weight, you could do one of two things: Cut back a little on the duration of your exercise, which would reduce the amount of calories that you are burning and would impact greatly on your weight loss, or increase your calorie intake by eating a bit more, just ensure you add healthy foods.

For example, you could add one or two 12-ounce meal replacement shakes to your daily diet. This will help to add extra calories and, at the same time, provide some health benefits.

However, I must tell you that being able to maintain your 130 pounds is going to be a matter of trial and error with exercise and your food intake. However, it can be done.

The aim is to get through your divorce and work-related stress without compromising your health and your weight.

Good luck!

We will answer your weight-related questions

Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, 39 Lady Musgrave Road. Call him at 876-286-1363. E-mail questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.