Ladies, have you been stressed lately? You are at greater risk of obesity

Women who recently experienced traumatic events or have undergone several negative events in the last few years, are at a higher risk of developing obesity, says a new study.

Women, who have recently experienced one or more traumatic events or those who have undergone several negative events in the last few years, are at a higher risk of developing obesity, warns a new study. Such events may also enhance cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes and cancer. A recent study said that underweight or obese women are more prone to depression and anxiety as well.

The study, presented in the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2017 in California, stated that women who have gone through four or more negative life events had a 36% higher risk of obesity, in comparison to women who reported no such events. “Little is known about how negative and traumatic life events affect obesity in women. We know that stress affects behaviour, including whether people under- or overeat, as well as neuro-hormonal activity by increasing cortisol production, which is related to weight gain,” said Michelle A. Albert, Professor at the University of California in San Francisco.

“This is important because women are living longer and are more at risk for chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease.” The researchers studied the relationship between major life events and obesity in a group of 21,904 middle-aged and older women.

The results found that the higher the number of negative life events, the higher the tendency for increased odds of obesity.

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