Weight Loss and Stress in Midlife Women

November 11th, 2009  |  Published in Weightloss Articles

Weight gain in midlife women is widespread and not just the result of too many calories and too little exercise. Ah, if only it were that easy! There are many physical and emotional factors. Women gain weight for different reasons and what works to lose one, maybe nothing at all for another. Perhaps this is the basic function "not dieting". Weight loss plans must be adapted to the specific needs of each individual needs. When you say: "No matter what I do, I can not lose weight"to examine by reducing stress to your weight loss program.

Stress and the adrenal glands play an important role in mid-life weight gain. Briefly, the adrenal glands respond to stress by releasing cortisol into the bloodstream. The kind of stress plays no role on the adrenal glands. It can be physical, emotional, environmental, bio-chemical or can even imagine. Since the mid-life women experience stress in different aspects of life on a daily basis, cortisol remains for a long time increases. It liesin the fat cells causes weight gain, usually around the middle of the body.

Cortisol levels also affect thyroid function. And it's no surprise that compromised thyroid function is associated with weight gain. High cortisol prohibits a normal reaction to the thyroid hormone signal, which is sometimes called "thyroid resistance". This resistance effects of other hormone receptors such as insulin, progesterone, estrogen and testosterone, which produce more hormones to a normal effect.The relationship between elevated cortisol and insulin resistance is another cause of weight gain. Stress clearly creates a vicious circle!

To help balance cortisol levels and maintain your adrenals revised avoid stimulants, alcohol, refined sugars, carbohydrates, processed and fried foods. Eat smaller portions more frequently. Include lean, hormone free meat and dairy products, vegetables, legumes, fiber-rich cereals, leafy vegetables and fresh fruit. Do you drink a day much pure, fresh waterRinse with help from the body. Make use of supplements and herbs to maintain the adrenal glands. And take time to recover each day in peace, reassess and reinvent yourself for the next chapter of life.

During the meal, reducing much exercise are always good and important for good health, stress and learn effective stress management techniques, an important part of your weight loss program. Journaling, meditation, yoga, tai chi, self-hypnosis, guided imagery, breathingPerception and listening to soothing music are just some of the ways to support healthy weight loss through relaxation. It is also important to take time to unresolved emotional stressors such as conflicts in the workplace and in relationships, feelings of guilt and unhealed wounds from the past.

For midlife women lose a few pounds, means much more than just look better. Other benefits include more energy, better sleep and a reduced risk of conditions such as increased hormoneCholesterol, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Obesity in middle age is associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease. Maintaining a healthy weight adds a year to your life and enhance the quality of every single day. You've earned it, and you can do it!

Tags: Midlife, Stress, Weight