Question:
Does the stress hormone, cortisol really contribute to weight gain?

I have a veeeeeerrrrrryyyyy stressful job. I am a medical office manager and a single mother of a teenager and an upcoming teenager. I feel stressed all the time. Recently I heard that stress is a huge cause of weight gain because of the hormone, cortisol (if I'm not spelling that right, someone please correct me). Now... I am almost 4 months post op and down about 80 lbs, but I'm trying to get my "stress life" under control so I don't fall back into the stress-eating habit once i reach goal. If there is an expert out there, someone fill me in on how I can do this without adding more stress to my life. Currently I work from 8:30-6:00 every day with the most demanding boss in the world. I come home and have two kids that need things and need them RIGHT NOW! I have to switch gears from work to mom, and I am so tired some nights I just want to sit and cry. Exercise has been a very difficult thing for me to work in, but I try, even if it's only a walk around the block. I know I need it, but it seems that's one more thing on my "gotta do or die list" and it stresses me even more. I don't mean to sound as if I'm having a huge pity party, I'm not. I just want someone else out there that's been there with me to give me some pointers about stress management. Thanks for indulging the long post. Blessings.    — Happy I. (posted on September 5, 2003)

September 5, 2003
First I am not a parent so I may be all wet here but I would think that the kids are old enough to do their share. I am assuming, and I might be wrong, that you do everything. At least that's how it sounds. What if you have meal plans worked out ahead of time and the ingredients there and the kids got things started. Like making a salad and setting the table etc. That way if you came home and wanted to sit down for 10 minutes you could. You somehow need to find some time for you in your day. You need to be selfish and take that time. No matter what you do with it. The kids can take care of themselves. Do they clear the table and do the dishes or load the dishwasher? I realize this may be a big change but so what. They are old enough to learn new tricks. I also would find time to get into counseling. Most have evening hours. That 1 hour can be YOUR time. The talking will help and maybe the counselor can help you identify areas to change and make some time for you. I do realize it is very difficult with your situation but it is so important for your own sanity and your long term success to make some changes now and I suspect the kids will need to be part of this solution. One other thought. Do you take time for lunch away from your desk? If not, then take your lunch and go eat out in your car. Play your favorite music and relax. You are legally entitled to that lunch break and it does nto need to be taken at your desk so you can keep doing all kinds of crap. Your boss might not like it at first, but tough. Just dissapear and then show back up when you are supposed to. Go take a long bathroom break and rest the head on the toilet paper dispenser and take a you break.
   — zoedogcbr

September 5, 2003
Cortisone does contribute... but it sounds like your lifestyle itself is a bigger contributer- and this is coming from someone who's been there. I am a teacher in a juvenile prison and come home to children and a husband and have had to learn (and I'm still learning) to change the amount of stress this all causes me. First of all, in work, I have had to learn to be verbal about my needs. I am careful, as you have to be in making sure you don't give the impression you can't hack it, but a lot of the pressure I felt came from no one but me trying to do too much or being to critical of my own work. I also had to learn that work is work and home is home. When I get home, I am NOT slow to say to the kids or hubby anymore when I need them to do the cooking and I got pretty darn determined in splitting taking care of household duties. I still maintain the financial end and when things really need to be cleaned, that's for me, but a lot of the smaller chores I just won't do anymore. The kids do the laundry, my DH takes care of the trash, and I just had to tell everyone that there is no reason for me to do it all! As for the kids needing it NOW... you need to tell them your needs. Chances are they will understand if you don't try to do it all yourself. You are not neglecting them, in fact you are helping them to be more self sufficient. Hope this helps?
   — Fawn L.

September 6, 2003
Dear Lisa, Why don't you go to your family doctor and give an antidepressant a try and see if this helps you. Something like prozac, zoloft might make a world of difference. You have nothing to lose. Good Luck.
   — [Deactivated Member]