What is the Origin of Stress-Mediated Weight Gain?

This term is a clinical descriptor for the metabolic consequences of chronic stress, rooted in the evolutionary function of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The stress response, designed for acute threats, becomes maladaptive when prolonged, leading to systemic dysregulation. The connection between stress and weight gain is a central focus in psychosomatic and endocrine medicine.

What is the Mechanism of Stress-Mediated Weight Gain?

The primary mechanism involves the chronic hypersecretion of cortisol, the body's main stress hormone. Cortisol acts on adipose tissue receptors, promoting the differentiation of pre-adipocytes into mature fat cells, particularly in the visceral area. Furthermore, elevated cortisol can induce insulin resistance and stimulate appetite via neuropeptide Y (NPY) signaling in the hypothalamus, creating a vicious cycle of metabolic dysfunction and fat accumulation.

Stress-Mediated Weight Gain ∞ Area

Stress-Mediated Weight Gain

Meaning

Stress-mediated weight gain is a clinical phenomenon describing the accumulation of adipose tissue, often centrally located visceral fat, driven primarily by chronic psychological or physiological stress and the resulting sustained elevation of catabolic hormones. This process is distinct from simple caloric surplus, as it involves a direct hormonal signal to alter fat storage patterns and increase appetite for high-density foods. Recognizing this mechanism is vital for effective weight management that addresses the root endocrine cause.