Why And How Does Stress Affect Our Eating Habits? Expert Lists Coping Strategies
Stress is a complex physiological and psychological response that can significantly impact our eating habits, especially in individuals managing diabetes.
Stress triggers physiological responses in the body, including the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can affect hunger and food choices. Stress can trigger emotional eating, where individuals seek comfort in food to cope with negative emotions.
This often leads to the consumption of high-calorie, sugary, or fatty foods, which can be detrimental to blood sugar control in patients with diabetes. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Navneet Agrawal, Chief Clinical Officer, BeatO explained how stress affects our eating habits.
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According to Dr Agrawal, stress can disrupt the body’s natural hunger cues, leading to either increased or decreased appetite. Some people may experience stress-induced cravings for unhealthy foods, while others may lose interest in eating altogether. These fluctuations in appetite can make it challenging to maintain a healthy diet, which is crucial for managing diabetes effectively.
Additionally, stress can affect food metabolism. Chronic stress is linked to insulin resistance, a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This can worsen diabetes symptoms and increase the risk of developing complications.
Throwing light on the topic, Dr. Apoorva Garg, Associate Director – BeatO Care (Operations) listed some ways in which stress affects our eating habits.
Effects Of Stress On Eating Habits
Emotional Eating: Stress can trigger emotional eating in individuals with diabetes, leading to cravings for high-carbohydrate, high-sugar foods. This can result in uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
Irregular Meal Patterns: Stressful situations may disrupt regular meal patterns for diabetics, leading to skipped meals or irregular eating times. This can destabilise blood sugar levels, as consistent carbohydrate intake is essential for managing diabetes effectively.
