Can stress or anxiety cause weight loss?

Hi. It’s Jenny at AnxietyBoss.com. Our question today is from Alice in Eugene, Oregon. Can stress or anxiety cause weight loss?

Many people would welcome a bit of weight loss to improve their health and looks, but what happens when weight loss actually becomes a serious problem? Sudden and unexplained weight loss when you are not making an effort is often because of an illness and you should be evaluated by a doctor.

Depression, diabetes, cancer, dementia, ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcer, HIV aids and tuberculosis are some of the diseases which can cause weight loss. Loss of appetite, weight loss from an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, as well as abuse of drugs can also cause weight loss.

The body needs fuel to cope with infections and being too underweight puts the immune system down and it’s not able to defend the undernourished body from disease. It’s interesting to note that people who don’t exercise are more prone to anxiety and this is why you often see that many people who suffer from anxiety have weight management issues.

So then can stress or anxiety cause weight loss? Yes, it can. Serious and relentless stress, as well as stress from one major traumatic event, can result in significant weight loss. This is because a stressful situation can lead to loss of appetite, stomach cramps, as well as a feeling of fullness almost immediately after eating a meal.

Cognitive behavioral therapists have seen how the effects of stress can lead to depression and loss of appetite is certainly linked to depression. Yoga, herbal supplementation, and even transcendental meditation are very effective in reducing stress.

Take action because stress plays havoc with your health. Stress can be managed by looking for support from therapists who will show you useful coping strategies. They will also tell you that regular exercise, wholesome food and adequate sleep are also important to bring a calmness into your life.