12 June 2023, Mumbai: A new study published in the journal Neuron has revealed the intriguing connection between stress and cravings for comfort foods. The study found that stress combined with the consumption of high-calorie comfort foods can cause changes in the brain, leading to increased eating and heightened cravings for palatable food. While these foods may provide momentary relief and pleasure, they also establish an unhealthy association between stress and the consumption of unhealthy foods, which can lead to long-term consequences.
The research conducted by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research shed light on the effects of chronic stress and a high-calorie diet on food intake and preferences. The study demonstrated that stress overrides the brain’s typical response to satiety, resulting in continuous activation of reward signals that drive individuals to consume more palatable foods. Professor Herbert Herzog, the senior author of the study, emphasized the significance of maintaining a healthy diet during times of stress to prevent weight gain and obesity. Under stress’s grip, the body orchestrates a hormonal symphony, unveiling cortisol as its leading maestro. This conductor stokes our appetite, orchestrating cravings for sugary, fatty indulgences that offer solace amidst chaos. As a result, the brain establishes a link between stress and the consumption of unhealthy foods, reinforcing the habit of seeking comfort through food.
Dr. Candice Seti, a licensed clinical psychologist, explains that comfort foods offer a temporary sense of well-being as they trigger the brain’s reward system. However, this feeling is short-lived. People are drawn to comfort foods for various reasons, including the immediate relief they provide. Unfortunately, this association between stress and consuming unhealthy foods can lead to weight gain and difficulties in weight management. The study also uncovered the impact of chronic stress on the brain’s reward response. When mice experienced chronic stress, the lateral habenula, responsible for controlling the reward response, remained inactive. This resulted in the continuous activation of reward signals and increased eating for pleasure, regardless of satiety signals. The stressed mice in the study gained twice as much weight as non-stressed mice on the same diet, highlighting the role of stress in weight gain.
Stress can induce physiological and behavioral changes that contribute to weight gain. It triggers the release of cortisol, which promotes fat storage, disrupts appetite-regulating hormones, and leads to emotional eating. Additionally, stress can reduce physical activity levels and disrupt sleep patterns, further exacerbating the risk of weight gain and metabolic disturbances. The study reveals that stress combined with the consumption of high-calorie comfort foods can lead to brain changes that result in increased eating and cravings for palatable food. Chronic stress can have adverse effects on weight due to various factors, including hormonal changes, emotional eating, reduced physical activity, and sleep disturbances. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is crucial to develop strategies to manage stress effectively and establish a positive relationship with food during times of stress.
By Yashika Desai.