Most people are familiar with the most common anxiety symptoms such as racing thoughts, restlessness, heart palpitations and trembling. However, weight loss is a symptom that many people would not attribute to anxiety. There are several ways that anxiety can cause weight loss.
How to Tell if Your Weight Loss Was Caused by Anxiety
If you lost weight without changing your diet or exercise routine, then anxiety may be the cause of your weight loss. Anxiety can also cause you to lose several pounds in a short amount of time. In fact, anxiety can cause a person to lose 15 or more pounds in just one month
How Anxiety can Cause Weight Loss
Anxiety Activates the Stress Response. When a person is anxious, the flight or fight response is activated. The body releases stress hormones, which increase the body’s metabolism. This causes the body to burn calories at a much faster rate. A faster metabolism increases the body’s need for calories. If a person does not replenish the calories that were burned, then they will lose weight. The heavier one is, the more weight they are likely to lose.
Anxiety Can Cause Appetite Loss
Many people who suffer from chronic anxiety lose their appetite. In fact, some people do not even realize how little they are eating. Anxiety can also cause nausea, which is another reason that people with chronic anxiety may eat very little.
It is important to note that not eating can slow down metabolism. That is why many people actually gain weight when they start eating again. Fortunately, a weight loss clinic London can help people managing their weight.
Anxiety Can Interfere With Nutrient Absorption
Even if one is eating well, they can still lose weight if they are suffering from anxiety. This condition can make it harder for the body to absorb nutrients. This may not only cause weight loss, but it can also cause malnutrition. A weight loss clinic London can help people develop a diet plan that will fit their nutritional needs.
Anxiety Can Cause Nervous Movement
Many people with anxiety are constantly moving. They may make nervous movements such as leg shakes and ticks. Others feel the need to constantly walk around.
Anxiety Can Raise Cortisol Level
Anxiety can make it difficult to sleep. Insomnia can raise the cortisol level in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels can temporarily raise metabolism, which can cause weight loss.
Lifestyle Changes
Many people try to cope with their anxiety by implementing lifestyle changes. They may start eating better and exercising. Even though implementing healthy lifestyle changes can help people manage their anxiety, the weight loss can be worrisome if one was not intending to lose weight.