Proof that stress makes it harder to lose weight
Constant stress produces a protein called betatrophin which stops fat metabolism, making it harder for you to lose weight.
“Betatrophin reduces the body’s ability to break down fat, underscoring a link between chronic stress and weight gain,” said Li-Jun Yang, M.D., a professor and lead investigator in the University of Florida College of Medicine.
Researchers observed that mice experiencing stress produce more betatrophin, and their fat-burning processes were slowed down. Betatrophin works by stopping adipose triglyceride lipase, an enzyme that breaks down stored fat.
While the experiment is yet to proved on humans, Yang said people should still avoid long-term stress. Short-term stress may help people pull through difficult situations, but long-term stress can be detrimental, says Yang.
“Stress causes you to accumulate more fat, or at least slows down fat metabolism. This is yet another reason why it’s best to resolve stressful situations and to pursue a balanced life,” Yang said.
Category: Features, Health alert
