Study: 'Unstable Lifestyle' Increases Risk Of Obesity

Life disruptions—from injuries to festive occasions—may be the main cause of annual weight gain for many people. In a peer-reviewed perspective article, researchers argue that this may be a crucial and largely overlooked factor in understanding the steady rise in global obesity. 

“‘Lifestyle instability’ may be an underappreciated risk factor for the gain of excess body fat, with fundamental implications for obesity prevention strategies and public health,” write Arthur Daw, a sports scientist at Loughborough University, and colleagues. 

Daw’s team describes growing evidence that weight gain occurs in small changes related to life events, rather than as a steady increase over time. 

Calculations based on annual weigh-ins have led to the idea that our weight gradually increases by consuming small amounts of excess food each day—the equivalent of a few grapes—that our bodies don’t burn off. This idea has fueled a number of often problematic diet trends. 

But while what we eat clearly plays a big role in our health, more detailed data from new technologies like the Fitbit suggests that our weight gain may be more uneven than previously thought. 

Anything that changes our eating and physical activity patterns can contribute to excess weight gain, researchers say. These include the stress of studying, relationship problems, illness, parenthood and the use of various medications. As these disruptions pile up, so does our weight. 

A recent study suggests that just five days of eating fast food can trigger obesogenic processes in the body. Even changes in the climate where we live can affect our metabolism. 

These lifestyle disruptions also include pleasurable activities, such as Christmas food binges. The theory is in line with previous findings on the link between stress and weight gain. 

The rise in cortisol caused by stress can suppress biological functions that are not needed for immediate survival, such as metabolism. This makes the body’s energy and blood ready to deal with immediate “danger”. 

Conversely, spikes in cortisol can also affect insulin levels, lowering blood sugar and triggering cravings for sweets. 

These mechanisms may have been useful when we still needed to run from bears, but they’re less relevant for the kinds of stress we experience today—such as the financial strain of rising living costs. 

Tag: Lifestyle Instability Obesity Public Health