How Stress Messes with Your Metabolism
Feeling like your metabolism isn’t what it used to be? Chronic stress could be the culprit. Long-term stress raises cortisol levels, which can lead to weight gain (especially around the midsection), blood sugar imbalances, and stubborn fatigue.
Why It’s Harder to Lose Weight Under Stress
When your body is constantly in fight-or-flight mode, it prioritizes survival over weight loss. That means higher cravings for sugar, increased fat storage, and disrupted digestion. Stress literally changes how your body processes food.
The Role of Sleep and Cortisol Regulation
Poor sleep makes everything worse. If you’re not getting quality rest, cortisol stays elevated, making it even harder to regulate metabolism. Prioritizing sleep hygiene, reducing blue light exposure at night, and sticking to a sleep schedule can help.
Small Changes That Make a Big Impact
You can’t eliminate stress completely, but you can manage how your body responds to it. Strength training, deep breathing exercises, and cutting back on caffeine all support metabolic function. It’s not just about diet and exercise—it’s about managing stress, too.
