I've seen it posted a long time ago and didn't pay much attention to it until now. It seems that I have no problem in losing weight, then I seem to plateau. The plateau seems to go hand-in-hand with something stressful happening. Is it the body's way of protecting itself? Does anyone have any suggestions? Or is simply recognizing that it happens the best medicine?
When you get too stressed out, your body releases cortisol, which pretty muc slows your metabolism down. I think it has something to do with the "fight or flight" response. If you're stressed, your body reacts as if there were a threat against it in which you would not be able to eat for a while (i.e., a battle, a fight against a wooly mammoth, etc.), so it stores all calories, turning them into fat.
I'm pretty sure that's the way it works. Anyone remember more biology than I do?
__________________ Amy (26), Brandon (27)
Married 12/97
Not dx w/ PCOS (YET)
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Started TTC #1 in earnest in 2002--took Clomid 50mg for 4 months. Ovulation, yes-BFP, no.
The cortisol also diverts blood supplying the digestive system and slows the digestive system down to supply the muscles and brain so they are able to respond better during stress.
Yes, I also read somewhere that elevated Cortisol levels make it very difficult to lose weight.
Trouble is, if you know you are already stressed and then you worry that your stress levels are making you fatter and shedding your hair..... you will stress even more!
It is difficult to avoid... the only thing I have found helps is walking and relaxation tapes
I have pseudo cushings which is high cortisol levels not related to a tumor. In my case it is caused by chronic stress. (dont even feel it anymore) I was told to practise yoga and pilates.
I remeber posting an article about this awhile ago...
The above ladies are correct - the problem is the cortisol released under chronic stress. A 'classic' marker of this is abdominal fat...especially if your belly is kind of 'firm' feeling.
Chronic sleep deprivation (ie regularly getting only 6 hours of sleep per night) can also make it harder to lose weight.
When I was losing the majority of my weight, I made a point to get 8 hours of sleep per night, and in order to 'de-stress' I would turn off the tv and 'artifical lights' at 9pm - Candle light is good for de-stressing. (I would also listen to that 'chanting' music that monks sing. It makes no sense in the daytime, but at night with candles, it's kinda cool )
Kat
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Hey, SoulCysters! Need to eat more veggies, but can't find recipes??
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Thanks everyone! I love it when I can understand something more clearly and "relax". It is so great to share my thoughts with people that can understand and really, really, help.
Stress preventing weight loss? 
I don't remember the thread, but... 
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