What is the Origin of Allostatic Load Wellness Impact?

The concept of allostasis, meaning "maintaining stability through change," was introduced by Sterling and Eyer, contrasting with the more static concept of homeostasis. Bruce McEwen later developed the "Allostatic Load" model to provide a metric for the detrimental effects of stress mediators like cortisol and catecholamines when their regulatory loops become exhausted or inefficient. This framework is foundational in modern psycho-neuro-endocrinology.

What is the Mechanism of Allostatic Load Wellness Impact?

The negative impact arises when allostatic systems fail to shut off after a stressor, or when they fail to respond adequately, leading to over-exposure or under-exposure to stress hormones and inflammatory mediators. This chronic dysregulation affects multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune systems. For instance, prolonged cortisol exposure contributes to central adiposity and insulin resistance, directly linking high allostatic load to metabolic dysfunction and compromised wellness.

Allostatic Load Wellness Impact

Meaning

Allostatic Load Wellness Impact quantifies the cumulative physiological “wear and tear” on the body resulting from chronic, unmanaged stress and the repeated, prolonged activation of allostatic systems, notably the HPA axis and the sympathetic nervous system. This impact is a measurable index of health deterioration, reflecting the price the body pays for adapting to persistent environmental and psychological demands. A high allostatic load is strongly correlated with increased risk for a wide spectrum of chronic, age-related diseases.