Many of us are aware of the impacts of stress on our body, such as disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, and headaches.

However, did you know that if your partner is suffering from anxiety, it can also cause weight gain in both of you? It may sound surprising, but this phenomenon is backed by scientific research.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response of the body that enables you to react to a potentially threatening situation in a quick manner. It is the body’s way of preparing for a “flight or fight” response.

Anxiety can also manifest as a prolonged feeling of unease and worry, which may not have an obvious cause. Anxiety can be triggered by numerous factors, including stress, traumatic experiences, and medical conditions.

What causes weight gain in anxious partners?

This is primarily linked to the increase in cortisol levels in the body, which is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland. Cortisol is also known as the “stress hormone,” which is released when the body is under duress.

Cortisol helps divert the body’s resources from other systems and towards immediate survival needs.

When cortisol is produced, it stimulates the production of glucose, which gets absorbed into the blood.

This blood sugar is adequate for an immediate burst of energy during an actual threat, but if the cortisol levels remain high, this can lead to chronic high sugar levels. The body reacts to high sugar levels by producing more insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose, and it also aids in fat storage. Insulin tells the body to store sugar as fat within the adipose tissue.

This results in an increase in body fat levels.

High cortisol levels also disrupt the normal functioning of the metabolic rate, leading to lazy metabolism. This means that the body requires lesser calories to stay energized and burn fewer calories during physical activity.

As the metabolic rate decreases, the body stores more calories that build up in the form of fat.

Stress and anxiety can also drive to overeating. Comfort food like sugary, fatty food and carbohydrates can offer short-term satisfaction and counteract anxiety and increase the release of pleasure-inducing neurotransmitters.

However, this feeling passes quickly and is replaced by a feeling of guilt and helplessness.

The psychological impact of partner’s anxiety

The mental anguish caused by anxiety also has a considerable impact on the partner. Partners of anxious individuals tend to adopt behavioral habits that lead to weight gain.

This is generally driven by the desire to be supportive and comfort their partner during difficult times. Partners often overlook their own needs to prioritize their anxious partner’s well-being.

Partners may also be more inclined to indulge in shared comfort food with their partner to evoke a sense of solidarity and not appear critical.

The partner may also develop anxiety of their own due to a lack of control and unpredictability in the anxious partner’s behavior. This also leads to a feeling of pessimism and promotes behavior that contributes to long-term weight gain, such as poor sleep habits, overeating, and a lack of physical exercise.

How can partners manage weight gain caused by anxiety?

Living a healthy lifestyle is essential to counteract the impact of anxiety on your body and mind. Here’s what you can do:.

1. Encourage regular exercise

Physical exercise can help reduce anxiety levels and also improves metabolic rate. Exercise also helps induce an increase in endorphins, which are hormones that promote a feeling of well-being, especially after a good workout.

You can encourage your partner to incorporate light exercise such as walking during a difficult period. This will aid in managing the impact of anxiety on you and your partner’s body.

2. Prioritize healthy eating habits

One of the best ways to beat the tendency of overeating and comfort food is by stocking up healthy food options in your home. Avoid purchasing junk food, sugary items, and start planning healthy meals. Replace soda or other sugary beverages with water.

A well-balanced, nutritious diet promotes optimum physical and mental health, which is beneficial for you and your partner both.

3. Seek support and professional help

Anxious individuals should seek the necessary therapeutic help to deal with their symptoms. Anxiety can be a debilitating condition that you and your partner should not handle alone.

Professional assistance can help both partners gain a different perspective, learn coping mechanisms, and needs that will help you deal with the symptoms. Professional assistance is also an opportunity to open to your partner and interact to formalize a more stable relationship that improves your health routine.

Conclusion

Partner’s anxiety is a reality that cannot be ignored.

It can impact both partner’s physical and emotional health and lead to long-term consequences like obesity, high blood pressure, poor mental health, and a higher risk of cardiac diseases. It is therefore paramount to manage stress levels and anxiety in a healthy way, by engaging in healthy living habits like eating well, regular physical exercise, seeking professional help, and creating significant relationships.

Managing partner’s anxiety can surely bring positivity and calmness to your life, therefore making you both happier and healthier.