How does chronic stress affect body composition?

Chronic stress affects body composition primarily by promoting weight gain and increasing body fat. When a person experiences prolonged stress, the body produces higher levels of cortisol, a hormone that can influence metabolism and appetite. Elevated cortisol levels are associated with increased cravings for high-calorie, carbohydrate-dense foods, leading to overeating. Additionally, chronic stress can result in changes in energy expenditure, often causing the body to store more fat, particularly visceral fat, which is linked to various health risks.

Moreover, stress can also lead to behavioral changes such as reduced physical activity or increased sedentary behavior, compounding the effects on body composition. Rather than only affecting muscle mass, chronic stress can have a holistic impact on overall body composition by influencing fat distribution and promoting the accumulation of body fat over time. Thus, the relationship between chronic stress and weight gain is well-documented in research, making the assertion that it leads to weight gain and increased body fat accurate.