You’re eating better. You’re on the meds. You’re walking. You’re doing everything right.
So why isn’t the scale moving?
Two words: chronic stress.
That’s right — the very thing you’ve probably decided to “power through” might actually be blocking your weight loss progress.
How Stress Messes With Weight Loss
When your body is under constant stress — from work, family, money, lack of sleep, or just… life — it produces more of the hormone cortisol.
Here’s what cortisol does:
- Increases fat storage (especially around your belly)
- Triggers cravings for sugar and carbs
- Messes with your sleep (which makes cravings worse)
- Slows down metabolism
It’s like your body goes into “survival mode” — and weight loss becomes way harder, even if you’re doing everything else right.
What Can You Do?
You can’t eliminate stress entirely, but you can manage it:
- Get 7–9 hours of sleep per night
- Walk or move your body daily
- Journal, pray, or meditate (5 minutes counts!)
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
- Talk to someone — a friend, a therapist, your provider
At New Leaf, we understand that weight loss isn’t just about food or medicine — it’s about your whole life. That’s why our Thrive Programs help you build habits that support your mental and physical health.
👉 Want more? Our patients get access to a full article that explains how cortisol impacts weight, signs your body is in stress overload, and realistic strategies to manage stress (even if you’re busy and overwhelmed).
Click here to enroll and unlock the full guide — plus personalized support through our Thrive Programs.
