A recent study shows it's possible that long term stress actually makes us gain weight. Doctor Leslie Heinberg with the Cleveland Clinic didn't take part in the study, but says results show a connection between the 'stress hormone' cortisol and weight. Cortisol is a hormone that is secreted by the adrenal glands and it tends to ramp up during times of stress. Doctor Heinberg says stress is more chronic today and can wreak havoc on our bodies over time. She says the link between stress and weight gain is real, mainly because healthy habits like getting a good night's rest, exercise and eating a healthy diet are harder to keep up when we feel like we're maxed out.
The study in question revealed that people with higher BMI numbers or fatter waists had higher cortisol levels.
So, instead of focusing on your diet, focus on you and getting that stress level down. If you need professional help, forget and stigma and go.
Source: MetroSource