How to Stop Stress Causing Weight Gain

Are you feeling the pinch around your waistline? Feel like you’re doing “all the things” but can’t keep the weight gain at bay? It could be your stress levels. If you’ve noticed your pants feeling a little more snug lately, stress could be the sneaky culprit. Let’s take a look at how you can stop (or reduce) the stress causing weight gain.

How to stop weight gain caused by stress - active and ageless - over 50s gym near me

The Stress-Weight Connection

You’ve likely heard of the “fight or flight” response – it’s our body’s built-in defence mechanism that kicks into gear when we’re faced with immediate danger. When triggered, this stress response raises cortisol levels and releases glucose from the liver, giving vital organs like the brain, heart, muscles and lungs the energy they need to fight or flee.  The problem is…those same body’s cannot differentiate a lion from a typical work meeting. Connecting the dots now?

How to Take Back Control and Reduce the Stress

Thankfully there are simple, practical steps that can help us in reducing stress – and in turn, minimise weight gain.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help regulate hormones and reduce stress levels.
  • Stay Active: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. Even daily walks can make a significant difference.
  • Relaxation Techniques: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help manage stress effectively.

Managing stress isn’t just about peace of mind — it’s also a key part of maintaining a healthy weight after 50. At Active and Ageless, we understand how different the body feels with age, which is why our over 50s fitness classes are designed to support your metabolism, boost energy, and lower cortisol levels through movement. If you’re looking for a welcoming gym to help reduce stress through exercise, you’ve come to the right place!

Heath Jones Founder of Active & Ageless - Over 50s health club in Hurstville & Canterbury

Heath Jones is the founder of Active & Ageless and has over 20 years’ experience in the Health & Wellness space.

He holds the following qualifications:

Bachelor of Nursing

Postgraduate in Exercise Science

Diploma of OHS

Cert 3 & 4 Fitness

Cert 4 Training & Assessment

Older Adults trainer