Stress affects weight differently: for some, it suppresses appetite and promotes weight loss, while for others, it triggers overeating and weight gain. The main reason for such differences is not the "temperature" of metabolism itself, but the hormonal and behavioral responses of the body to stress, scientific studies show.
When a person experiences stress, a so-called response mechanism is activated in their body, in which the hormone cortisol plays a key role — part of the "fight or flight" mechanism.
During acute stress, this hormone can temporarily suppress appetite: the body's attention shifts to immediate responses to threats rather than digestion. In such situations, people can indeed lose weight.
However, during prolonged or chronic stress, elevated cortisol levels can lead to the opposite effect. Chronically high cortisol is associated with increased feelings of hunger, a preference for calorie-dense foods high in carbohydrates and fats, and a slowed recovery of energy balance after meals.
Research shows that in people experiencing prolonged stress, cortisol production is linked to changes in eating behavior and reduced self-control, which can lead to weight gain over time.
Moreover, the impact of stress on the body is not limited to hormones: a number of studies confirm that stress can also alter appetite regulation, motivation for physical activity, and food preferences.
Together, these factors explain why some people experience weight loss during stressful periods while others gain weight.
...Different bodily reactions to stress are not a sign of weakness or willpower but a reflection of complex physiology, where hormones, eating habits, and individual characteristics of the nervous system play key roles. To maintain a healthy weight during stressful times, it is important to not only work on diet but also to reduce stress levels through physical activity, quality sleep, and psychological techniques.
