Stress effects:
Stress has many side effects on our physical, emotional and behavioral health. Stress is known to cause the release of many hormones one for example is cortisol known to significantly increase appetite. Understanding the effects of stress on our appetite can shine a light one why college students tend to gain weight. We have all heard of the “Freshman Fifteen” (H.,n.d).
“College students now report being more stressed-out than ever before” (N., n.d).
As seen in the research study “Stress influences appetite and comfort food preferences in college women” College students have reported to have appetite changes when stressed, with almost 2/3 of those experiencing increased appetites when they are under stress (Kandiah, J., et al) .
Nutrition effects:
What we eat can really affect our mood and stress level. “Physical or emotional distress increases the intake of food high in fat, sugar, or both” (H., n.d). Furthermore, “Stressed people lose sleep, exercise less, and drink more alcohol, all of which can contribute to becoming overweight”(H., n.d).
Possible solutions:
“Dietary antioxidants present in fruits and vegetables may improve cognitive function” (Takeda, E., et al), which can help improve stress levels and even reduce effects of stress.
References
Communications, N. (n.d.). Stress. Retrieved April 20, 2021, from https://www.nyu.edu/life/safety-health-wellness/live-well-nyu/priority-areas/stress.html
Kandiah, J., Yake, M., Jones, J., & Meyer, M. (2006). Stress influences appetite and comfort food preferences in college women. Nutrition Research (New York, N.Y.), 26(3), 118-123. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2005.11.010
Publishing, H. (n.d.). How stress can make us overeat. Retrieved April 20, 2021, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/how-stress-can-make-us-overeat#:~:text=Stress%20also%20seems%20to%20affect,insulin%20levels%2C%20may%20be%20responsible.
Takeda, E., Terao, J., Nakaya, Y., Miyamoto, K., Baba, Y., Chuman, H., . . . Rokutan, K. (2004). Stress control and human nutrition. The Journal of Medical Investigation, 51(3), 139-145. doi:10.2152/jmi.51.139
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