ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Stress and anxiety

What is Stress and anxiety?

21:56 - 4 May , 2021

Disease

Both stress and anxiety play a key role in the development of eating problems, especially in the case of overweight and obesity. When stressful or anxious episodes arise, it is common for many people to seek comfort consuming ultra-processed foods, which are high in sugar, fat, and salt, which, in excess, could cause serious health problems. However, in some cases, episodes of stress and anxiety could cause a totally opposite reaction and suppress the appetite, causing other nutritional problems.

Causes and risk factors:

It is known that eating certain foods can provide an apparent sense of calm when going through periods of high stress or anxiety. The problem is that, in doing so, the central nervous system could get used to dealing with these emotions in this way and lead us towards a greater consumption of ultra-processed foods, which could trigger serious health problems, including being overweight and obesity.

Signs and symptoms Stress and anxiety

If during distressing or difficult periods you find that you resort to a high consumption of junk foods or with little nutritional value, you may suffer a significant level of stress or anxiety that must be professionally cared for.

Diagnosis and treatment Stress and anxiety

The diagnosis and treatment indicated by your doctor will be based on your medical history, type of diet, and general health. Once a stress or anxiety problem has been recognized, changes in your diet and lifestyle will be recommended, as well as different types of psychological support.

At the Nutrition & Obesity Center we offer you comprehensive care according to your needs to help you have a healthy lifestyle, control your weight, change your body composition, prevent and manage associated diseases, as well as improve your physical and sports performance.

We have specialized schemes for accelerated and sustained weight loss under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team, based on safe and scientifically supported methods.

Fuentes: 

  • mayoclinic.org
  • cigna.com
  • sos-bariatria.com
  • medlineplus.gov
  • medigraphic.com
  • Amianto, F., Ottone, L., Abbate, G. y Fassino, S. (2015). Binge-eating disorder diagnosis and treatment: A recap in front ofDSM-5. BMC Psychiatry, 15, e-70. https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12888-015-0445-6 
  • Bravo A, et al. Rasgos de personalidad en pacientes con obesidad. Enseñanza e Investigación en Psicología. Universidad Veracruzana Xalapa, México. 2011;16(1);115-23.
  • Bresh S. La obesidad: aspectos psicológicos y conductuales. Revista Colombiana de Psiquiatría. 2006;35(4):537-46.
  • Gómez-Alva A, Fernández-Murillo M, Velázquez-Fernández D, et al. Trastorno por atracón, depresión, ansiedad y gen del neuropéptido relacionado conAgouti en pacientes con cirugía bariátrica. Revista Mexicana de Trastornos Alimentarios. 2017;8(2):161-170.
  • Lara LB. Perfil psicológico de la obesidad mórbida. Apuntes de psicología. Colegio Oficial de Psicología de Andalucía Occidental y Universidad de Sevilla, España. 2008;26(1):41-68
  • Robles R, Varela R, Jurado S, Páez F. Versión mexicana del inventario de ansiedad de Beck: Propiedades psicométricas. Rev. Mex. Psic. 2001;(8):211-7.

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