Big Waistline And Stress, The Chicken Or The Egg?
By Dr. Neli Stoyanova You may wonder what big waistline has to do with stress. It is true that some people lose weight under stress but most of us actually gain weight, especially around the waistline. Too many trips to the refrigerator when working late at night on that project whose deadline is fast approaching? Need to feel better after that call from your ex. There must be some ice cream left over- right?
But should you accept the fact that stress makes you fat and sit there (preferably on the couch) with a large bag of popcorn (don’t forget the soda) and feel sorry about how life is unfair to you? Or should you do something about it?
Well- it is your choice. But I personally believe that no one makes bad choices on purpose. Bad choices are made by lack of knowledge.
If your waistline is below < 38 inches (men) and below < 32 inches (women), you are in the zone but you definitely want to stay there and use all the techniques and tools available to stay fit.
If your waistline is above > 40 inches (men) and above > 35 inches (women) it is time to do something about it. And I mean it is critical for you to do something because you have a big waistline or abdominal obesity and stress is taking a toll on you.
You need to learn how to manage the stress in your life ASAP. Here is how menopause, andropause and the hormone called leptin are related to big belly.
Don't even think about a crush diet and don’t rush to the gym at 5 am. The ONLY way to be successful in your weight loss is to identify the source of stress in your life and learn how to manage it. It is that simple (just teasing you).
Letting go of stress can mean letting go of the extra weight. In addition you need good sleep habits, and plenty of physical activity, and exercise I personally believe that anything that requires an extreme effort and sacrifice of any kind is not going to last and the benefits gained through this extreme effort would be quickly lost. When I say extreme effort I mean crash weight loss diet or overly intensive exercise that you have never done before. Don’t push your self- exercise should not be strenuous- it needs to be moderate but regular. Be real- don't expect over night changes. Be persistent.
Moderation and persistence are the keys when it comes to food and exercise over 50.
If you don't know what metabolic syndrome is about read here.
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