Beyond Diet: Stress, Sleep, Mental Health Drive Obesity Epidemic
Beyond Diet: Stress, Sleep, Mental Health Drive Obesity Epidemic
- •Obesity is not just about food; stress, sleep deprivation, and mental health are central drivers.
- •Chronic stress releases cortisol, increasing appetite, promoting fat storage, and disrupting metabolism.
- •Poor sleep alters hunger hormones (ghrelin rises, leptin declines), leading to increased cravings and less satisfaction.
- •Mental health issues like depression and anxiety reshape eating behaviors, leading to emotional eating and reduced physical activity.
- •Effective obesity treatment requires an integrated approach, addressing metabolism, mind, and lifestyle, often with medical interventions.