Can stress be causing your child to gain weight?

As adults, we can all agree that stress can cause us to overeat, but could stress also be at the root of your child’s weight gain? According to research by leading medical insurance providers in SA, Affinity Health, there may be a link between stress and weight gain in children.

Cortisol and weight gain

The coronavirus pandemic has brought about a hefty dose of uncertainty and unfamiliarity – adding to stress levels among both young and old. While stress in short bursts is a normal reaction in the body when changes occur, high-stress levels, especially in children who are not able to control their stress, can result in elevated cortisol levels, leading to weight gain. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands on your kidneys and released when you are stressed. This causes your body to go into fight-or-flight mode, halting normal biological operations and reducing your metabolism. While this hormone is necessary for your health and wellbeing, too much of it can be harmful.  Like adults, children are also impacted by too much cortisol.

Why does Cortisol lead to weight gain?

Cortisol helps us feel more energised by boosting fat and carbohydrate metabolism. The downside of this is that it also makes us feel hungry. High cortisol levels may also cause sweet, fatty, and salty food cravings. As a result, your child may be more inclined to reach for a bag of cookies instead of a banana.

Long-term health effects of excessive weight gain in children

Carrying additional kilos is unhealthy –  no matter your age. Research confirms that childhood obesity can lead to a variety of other, more serious issues, later in your child’s life, including:

• Higher blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Reproductive problems
• A decrease in lung and respiratory function
• An increase in joint pain

Excess weight gain has also been linked to pancreatic cancer, oesophageal cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, and kidney cancer. Finally, your child’s mental health could be jeopardised, as weight gain can negatively affect their self-esteem. “If you believe your child’s weight has increased as a result of stress, start encouraging some healthy behaviours that will help your child get back on the road to good health. Ensure they eat well, exercise regularly, and do things that make them feel relaxed and happy,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

7 Tips To Help Your Child Manage Their Stress

You can’t stop your child from feeling stressed, but you can keep stress from overwhelming your child. Affinity Health provides the following tips:

1.    If your child is starting to feel stressed, join them and start moving. Endorphins, which are natural mood boosters, are released as a result of exercise, and can help your child feel more relaxed.

2.    Let them do something they enjoy, whether it’s drawing, painting, baking, scrapbooking, gardening, or simply listening to their favourite song.

3.     At the end of each day, sit with your child and take a moment to concentrate on what they’ve accomplished rather than what they haven’t.

4.    Encouraging your child, especially tweens and teens, to keep a journal can help your child release bad thoughts from their mind. 5.     Enrol your child in classes that focus on mindful breathing, such as meditating or doing yoga or tai chi.

6.     Allow your child to spend time with family and friends. Having someone to talk to or lean on is always beneficial.

7.     Make certain your child is getting enough rest. Sleep is a great way to de-stress. A regular sleep pattern helps your child’s body to relax and repair itself, improves focus, regulates mood, and sharpens your child’s judgment and decision-making abilities.

When to reach out for help

Sometimes stress can be too much for your child to handle – even with your support. Your child’s healthcare professional can assess stress-related symptoms if you suspect that your child may have chronic stress.