Can stress ALONE cause weight gain?

I always hear so much about stress and weight gain, but I was wondering...

If your calories are in check (either burning more than you eat, or burning the same amount that you eat), can you still gain weight if you're stressed?

I've gained weight and had other health issues since starting my new job that I find VERY stressful.  Having the job has also messed up my regular eating schedule because I rarely get my breaks because we just get so busy.

I was wondering if those could cause the weight gain even though I'm eating equal to, or less than, the amount of calories I supposedly burn.

I *think*, and I can be corrected, that your body does hold onto more calories when your stressed because it expects you to be put into a physically trying situation. So, I believe so, yes.

Ah crap..I just put on my work uniform and it barely even fits anymore!  This is so upsetting.

Well that's more of a reason to keep my butt up late after work to exercise =\

Yep, stress can cause weight gain. I always gain like 10 lbs around exam time in May, lol!

That's strange, stress usually causes me to lose weight, especially at exam time! Maybe it affects people differently..

Believe it or not stress does make your body release cortisol which in turn makes you gain, so yes, getting some relaxing meditative type balance (and sleep) will help you turn that around.

Original Post by jett69:

Believe it or not stress does make your body release cortisol which in turn makes you gain, so yes, getting some relaxing meditative type balance (and sleep) will help you turn that around.

 This is correct! but to skippee: Sometimes when I'm REALLY stressed I have stomach problems. And therefore I eat less. so maybe thats why you lose weight during trying times? but otherwise your body goes into fight or flight mode when your stressed! Yadda yadda, just breathe!!!!!

Stress can cause gain and loss. Gain? If one turns to food or drink as a comfort, usually, or because (as jett has said) cortisol is released during highly stressful periods of time. Loss? Kankan's said it: just as someone can turn and go for the cookies when they're stressed - as I used to! - others lose their appetite completely. Oddly, when I cry for a long time and get really upset, I lose my appetite, but if I'm very angry I become ravenous! D: It varies, but yes, it can cause gain.

I'd think your uniform not quite fitting right wouldn't be down to stress gain, though. I have days when I think nothing fits me properly and it's down to my mind (and more often than not stress)! As for your breaks being played havoc with... I sympathise. College has done a number on my eating patterns. I carry dried fruit around in a little baggy now, though. It's very easy to sneak in an apricot in a lesson. P: I got almost-caught by my tutor and told her it was chewing gum. Heh heh heh. Still, especially if your uniform has pockets, try taking some small and cal-dense food with you to work if you're worried about having long periods of time between noshing.

Is this your horrible job with the other people that don't help you on the counter? D:

Yes, yes it is =(

I gave my 2 weeks notice the other day and the manager pretty much begged me to stay! haha

She asked what was wrong, and I was honest about everything.  She told me she would talk to those girls today before I came in..and if it didn't work then she might have to let them go.  She told me I was a better worker than both of them and have more leader potential than the other workers there =D  Maybe she was just saying that to get me to stay but...either way I thought it was nice haha  She also said when she read my note she almost cried..and she kept going, I really really don't want to lose you!  You've caught on the fastest of all the new hires I've had!

I said I would think about it and let her know in a week =\  To make it EVEN TOUGHER!  I got a call from LifeSource Natural Foods today about an application..haha

I was hoping to get in there so I'm gonna go down tomorrow before work and meet with them and see what kind of jobs they have open...I might keep both jobs, or I might leave the other, or turn down this one..it depends on how tomorrow goes =)

I KNOW this one would be a lot less stressful though!

Don't even consider staying at the other job if the one you want will actually hire you and put you on the schedule. You will regret it soo bad. It sucks to be offered a job you want, turn it down cause you think the one you're at is getting better, and then realize the one your at continues to suck or gets worse. It's a lot easier for a new place to be great than and old place to get better.

I just couldn't work for a boss that almost cried about me leaving. Seriously, grow a pair. Ask me to stay, but don't beg me. No wonder the other girls don't respect the work environment.

YES STRESS CAN CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN WITHOUT YOU CHANGING YOUR EATING OR EXERCISE HABBITS!

I had this problem a year ago. I was desperately trying to lose weight, but no matter how much i exercised or how well i ate, i was gaining. In the end i was so upset i went to the docotr, who suggested that because i was stressed my body was reacting going into stress mode. Supposedly you release Cortisol when you are stressed from your adrinealin glands. Cortisol effects insuline levels and how your body breaks down protein and carbohydrates, etc, it can even effect where you gain weight. I think the idea is that when you are stressed your body doesnt know what to expect so it stores fat incase of danger or famine, so not only does it show your metabolism it also increases your appetite.

Wikepida :Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland (in the Zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex). It is often referred to as the "stress hormone" as it is involved in response to stress. It increases blood pressure and blood sugar, and reduces immune responses.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.as p?articlekey=53304

Thank you all for the info!

Well, I'm gonna hope that other job works out then! haha

Not only have I been gaining weight since I started the job (and no it's not from eating there because I don't =P), I have constantly been sick.  My lymph nodes in my neck have been swollen and sore and I hate it.  I don't think that job is worth risking my health I've worked so hard for.

Agh! Don't keep them both if you get the second one! I have to agree with tincognito - a boss that verges on tears over possibly losing a staff member is probably either desperate or lying. At the end of the day they can't stop you if you do go, and it really doesn't sound worth your health you keeping working there. Your nodes being up can also be down to stress. Take it easy, girl! Sit down with a cup of chamomile and have a hot bath. @__@ I hope your interview goes well with the other place.

Its good to know that stress can cause weight gain. Im doing my final year at school and with the massive exams looming ive been studying up to 10 hours a day and stressed beyond belief, and needless to say, ive gained about 15-20 pounds!

Hopefully when this years over I'll be able to lose some of the extra weight, after the stress levels come back down!