Obesity is on the rise today, particularly among younger Americans. Everyone needs to watch their weight to prevent health issues. However, when people are stressed and lack sleep, they find it hard to lose unwanted pounds. 

Medical professionals find this concerning. They recognize that obesity is a factor in many cancers today, and the healthcare profession is already taxed. When a person visits their doctor because they wish to lose weight, the doctor might recommend medically-supervised weight loss. This weight-loss program takes a holistic approach to losing excess weight, including addressing stress and sleep issues. Why is this important? 

Stress and Weight

Many people don’t realize excessive stress can lead to weight gain and make it harder to lose excess pounds. High levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, can cause these issues, or they may be the result of unhealthy behaviors brought on by stress. When men and women realize this and get their stress under control, they often find it easier to shed unwanted weight. 

When a person is stressed, their adrenal glands release more cortisol and adrenaline. This process triggers the release of glucose into the bloodstream to fuel the fight-or-flight response. The person then reaches for sugar to give the body quick energy, and this sugar can turn into fat, particularly in the abdominal area. Cortisol also slows the metabolism, making it harder to lose weight. 

Stress may lead a person to pick up unhealthy habits that contribute to weight gain. Emotional eating, for example, is often brought on by stress, or the person may turn to fast food for a quick and easy meal because they don’t have the mental fortitude to cook something healthy. Stress can lead to the individual exercising less, skipping meals, and overeating later. The person must break this cycle so they can get their weight under control for a healthier life. 

Sleep and Weight

Individuals who don’t get enough sleep are at higher risk of gaining weight, and once they do, they find it hard to lose the extra pounds. A lack of sleep increases a person’s appetite while leaving them unsatisfied. People who get seven hours of sleep a night find it takes less effort to keep their weight under control. 

Sleep regulates ghrelin and leptin levels in the body. When these hormones are depleted, people feel hungry constantly. Even when they eat, they never feel full. Rather than eating large meals, men and women tend to snack on high-carbohydrate foods, contributing to weight gain. They are more at risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. 

In addition, a lack of sleep makes it harder for a person to lose weight. Fat deposits around the torso are more common in sleep-deprived men and women, and people who manage to lose weight may find it hard to keep the pounds off if they don’t get adequate sleep. 

Ample sleep gives a person more energy. They can get up and move around more without feeling tired. This physical activity can help them lose weight and maintain the desired weight once they reach it. 

Anyone struggling to lose weight should speak to their doctor to learn how to accomplish this goal. Medically supervised weight loss benefits everyone, as the doctor customizes the treatment plan to fit the individual. Doing so increases the odds of losing the excess pounds and keeping them off for good.