Introduction As of last year, over 2.1 billion people worldwide were considered obese (Ostrow, 2014). Obesity is increasing at an alarming rate due to multiple factors. A common factor is stress and the internal and external influences that links stress to obesity. As there are other environmental and genetic aspects that can affect someone to become obese, there have been multiple studies done to provide information and prove that stress is indeed linked to obesity. Separately these issues already present multiple problems, but when put together become even worse having created a worldwide epidemic. (Torres, Nowson; 2007)
Stress
What is Stress? “Stress can be defined as the brain’s response to any demand.”(Fact Sheet on Stress) Stress can …show more content…
Therefore, when the two are automatically correlated issues with one factor coinciding and if not adding to the other arise. The biggest aspect that correlates stress and obesity is the flight-or-fight response. The flight-or-fight is a response to when one’s body is in danger. When activated this response produces various hormones into the body that produce quickened breathing, quickened heartbeat, and bursts of energy. (Scott, E.) The human body can feel endangered in ways that would be thought of as impossible; such a way would be being stressed. Sometimes work, school, or a traumatic event makes one feel that they are in danger; therefore, the same hormones get excreted as if an actually dangerous situation was …show more content…
The main focus is to start identifying the problem and accepting that there is one. Many people want to overlook that there is a problem and avoid it, avoidance. Once the problem is identified one can start to weed out some stress factors and unhealthy habits, not easy, but doable. After identifying the problem some coping techniques can be applied. Such techniques would include: writing in a journal to express you emotions, goals, problems, joining groups and connecting with others who have the same problem, trying several relaxation techniques that also help you stay focused on the goals at hand, and talking with a therapist or doctor can help as well. Prevention techniques might include the following: exercising regularly, eating healthy meals and snacks, watch out for food traps (high calories, energy-dense foods), monitor weight consistently, and be consistent in your goals whether exercising, eating, or scheduling for work or school. Being able to cope and prevent stress and obesity will allow one to live longer, happier, and healthier to enjoy all the possibilities of the future. (Stress Management: How…, Obesity: Coping and
Stress
What is Stress? “Stress can be defined as the brain’s response to any demand.”(Fact Sheet on Stress) Stress can …show more content…
Therefore, when the two are automatically correlated issues with one factor coinciding and if not adding to the other arise. The biggest aspect that correlates stress and obesity is the flight-or-fight response. The flight-or-fight is a response to when one’s body is in danger. When activated this response produces various hormones into the body that produce quickened breathing, quickened heartbeat, and bursts of energy. (Scott, E.) The human body can feel endangered in ways that would be thought of as impossible; such a way would be being stressed. Sometimes work, school, or a traumatic event makes one feel that they are in danger; therefore, the same hormones get excreted as if an actually dangerous situation was …show more content…
The main focus is to start identifying the problem and accepting that there is one. Many people want to overlook that there is a problem and avoid it, avoidance. Once the problem is identified one can start to weed out some stress factors and unhealthy habits, not easy, but doable. After identifying the problem some coping techniques can be applied. Such techniques would include: writing in a journal to express you emotions, goals, problems, joining groups and connecting with others who have the same problem, trying several relaxation techniques that also help you stay focused on the goals at hand, and talking with a therapist or doctor can help as well. Prevention techniques might include the following: exercising regularly, eating healthy meals and snacks, watch out for food traps (high calories, energy-dense foods), monitor weight consistently, and be consistent in your goals whether exercising, eating, or scheduling for work or school. Being able to cope and prevent stress and obesity will allow one to live longer, happier, and healthier to enjoy all the possibilities of the future. (Stress Management: How…, Obesity: Coping and