Can stress affect fat storage?

Yes, stress can significantly affect fat storage in the body. According to the Mind Pump Podcast, stress signals the body to conserve calories and increase food intake. This response, which was historically beneficial in times of physical hardship (like lack of food or shelter), causes the body to slow down calorie burning and shift towards storing more fat, especially in times of persistent stress. Additionally, stress can lead to an increase in visceral fat, which is stored around the organs and the belly. This type of fat storage is more harmful compared to other fat distributions and has been linked to various health issues 1.

Moreover, stress impacts hormonal levels which further influences fat storage. For instance, poor stress management and sleep lead to higher levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which promotes fat storage while decreasing muscle-building hormones such as testosterone 2. This hormonal imbalance not only increases fat accumulation but also discourages muscle growth, contributing to a less favorable body composition.