Weight Loss News

While some people lose their appetite under stress, many people are "stress eaters" and overindulge in stressful conditions. Under on-going stress, people often feel that they eat or snack much more. According to a study presented at a meeting of the Obesity Society, people describe their eating as "out of control."

Researchers at the University of California-San Francisco surveyed more than 600 obese or over-weight women about thier eating habits and stressors. This was one of the largest studies to examin the relationship between chronic stress and eating behavior.

The survey characterized chronic stress as:

• Being the family caregiver for someone in poor health;
• Having a job they don't like
• Being unable to pay rent or mortgage;
• Other consuming issues.

Women under chronic stress were more likey to use more strict methods to control weight and eating, such as cutting out all fattening foods and skipping meals.

In a 2007 survey of the American Psychology Association, half of the people who overate or ate unhealthy foods as stress management consumed chocolate and candy (65%), ice cream (56%), chips (53%), cookies and cakes (49%) and fast food (46%).

Lisa Groesz, the UCSF's study's lead author and postdoctoral fellow says that people with chronic stress conditions should notice when they're physically feeling hungry versus emotionally hungry. By understanding and noticing the difference, they will be better able to self-monitor eating behavior and regulate when, what and how much they eat.

Source: USAToday.com