How Stress Affects Fat Storage — and What You Can Do About It

Stress can quietly sabotage your fat-loss goals, making those stubborn pounds linger no matter how well you eat or exercise. During Halloween, when candy bowls seem endless and indulgence is everywhere, understanding stress and its effect on your body is more important than ever.

1. The Science of Stress and Fat Storage

When stressed, your body releases cortisol, the “stress hormone.” Cortisol signals your body to store fat — especially around the belly — as an evolutionary survival mechanism. Chronic stress keeps cortisol high, creating an ...