Why Your Body Holds More Weight Under Stress (Even if You Eat Less) in Colorado Springs CO

As the holiday season approaches, we find ourselves juggling extra tasks, attending social gatherings, and navigating family chaos, all while managing the stress that comes with it. But did you know that stress can actually make it harder to lose weight, even if you’re eating less? In fact, stress can trigger your body to hold onto more fat, especially around the midsection, which is a struggle many people face after the busy holiday season in Colorado Springs CO.

Cortisol: The Stress Hormone Behind It All in Colorado Springs CO

The culprit behind this weight struggle is cortisol, the hormone your body releases in response to stress. While cortisol is essential for your "fight or flight" response (helping you react quickly in stressful situations) it's the prolonged, elevated levels of cortisol that create problems.

When cortisol stays high for too long, it disrupts your metabolism and even causes inflammation. This means that your body starts holding onto fat, particularly around the abdominal area, where it’s most stubborn and linked to health issues like diabetes and heart disease.

How Stress Fuels Weight Gain

Beyond simply making you crave sugary, high-calorie foods, cortisol’s effects are far-reaching. It signals your body to hold onto visceral fat (the fat that wraps around your internal organs). Visceral fat is tough to lose and can interfere with your body’s ability to function at its best. On top of this, stress triggers inflammation, which can disrupt your metabolism and make it even harder to shed those extra pounds. It’s a vicious cycle where stress, fat storage, and low energy all feed off each other.

Why Dieting Under Stress Doesn’t Work

If you've ever tried to lose weight through dieting while under stress, you’ve probably noticed that your efforts don’t seem as effective. That’s because stress messes with your metabolism. With high cortisol levels, your body not only stores more fat, but it also slows down the breakdown of fatty acids. Even if you cut calories or increase your workouts, your body holds onto that extra weight because it perceives stress as a signal to conserve energy.

Refocus Your Health Goals with True North’s T.R.U.E. Weight Loss Program

At True North Health Center, our T.R.U.E. Weight Loss program is designed to help you take control of your health in the New Year. This holistic program focuses on the root causes of stress and hormonal imbalances, helping your body function optimally and shed the weight stress has packed on. Unlike restrictive diets that only offer temporary results, our approach combines personalized nutrition plans with tailored care to support your nervous system, reduce stress, and restore balance in your body. With the T.R.U.E. Weight Loss program, you won’t just lose weight. You’ll regain energy, improve your mood, and bring your body back into a state of balance.

If you’re ready to make lasting changes and find a healthier, more balanced lifestyle in 2026, we’re here to help! Give us a call at our office in Colorado Springs at (719) 301-5781  schedule a consultation and learn more about how our T.R.U.E. Weight Loss Program can guide you toward a stress-free, balanced transformation in the New Year!