Chronic stress can lead brain to unhealthy cravings and overeating: Study

During times of high stress, many people eat more than usual, commonly referred to as “stress eating.” While it’s okay to indulge every now and then, it can become a problem if food frequently becomes a source of comfort in response to stress.

Thea new study was published in the journal Neuron. It was conducted by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, Australia.

The study found that stress, paired with high-calorie ‘comfort’ food, results in brain changes that cause more eating, and increase cravings for sweet, satiating food. Over time, this can cause weight gain.

Researchers discovered that stress took over the brain’s typical reaction to satiety, which resulted in the continuous activation of reward signals that led to consuming foods that are more palatable.

“We showed that chronic stress, combined with a high-calorie diet, can drive more and more food intake as well as a preference for sweet, highly palatable food, thereby promoting weight gain and obesity. This research highlights how crucial a healthy diet is during times of stress,” Professor Herbert Herzog, senior author of the study and Visiting Scientist at the Garvan Institute, said in a news release.

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