Here's the lowdown on how the economy is making us fat, and what you can do for yourself to fix it.
Getty Images
J.J. Virgin: Ready to hear the latest scary health
statistic? A recent Gallup poll shows that the average BMI (body
mass index) in the U.S. increased from 25.1 to 26.8, comparing data
from the first quarter of last year to the same time period in
'09. So what in the world could be causing such a huge jump in
only one year?
One conclusion that cannot be ignored is the
crazy economic climate over the past 12 months.
I'm guessing many of you know at least one depressing story of
job or
financial loss, or a
mortgage nightmare. Heck, I'm guessing the
recession has hit your pocketbook, too. So here's
the lowdown on how the economy is making us
fat, and what you can do for yourself to fix it:
Increased Stress
Let's face it, all of us have
stress in our lives. But excessive
stress whacks our cortisol levels and increases our ability to
store fat around our waists. And then, to top it off, high stress
levels raise the set point necessary to burn off the fat! Constant
worry also lowers serotonin production, which increases the desire
to consume sugar and carbs in the form of comfort foods.
What you can do: Exercise! Studies show that yoga, tai
chi, and other calming movements lower stress hormones. High
intensity interval training (a.k.a., bursting) also helps the body
handle stress better and, in the long run, can have a healing
effect on the adrenals.
Sleep
30% of Americans say that they are not sleeping well due to the
economy (by the way, I believe that lack of sleep is becoming the
number-one health concern in our nation!). Production of hormones
ghrelin and leptin are hugely impacted by adequate amounts of
sleep. Without proper sleep to regulate these hormones, hunger
signals go haywire, causing us to overeat. Lack of sleep directly
causes insulin resistance, too, which makes us better at storing
fat and, if left unchecked, can also lead to diabetes. Oh yeah, and
who feels like exercising after a restless night followed by a
low-energy day?
What you can do: Now, more than ever, is the time to focus
on getting seven to nine hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep
each night. Turn off the TV and PC a couple hours before bedtime,
soak in warm baths with lavender oil, sip a cup of warm chamomile
tea at night. These simple steps can work wonders to help you wind
down and shut off your brain at night!
Apathy
Gallup studies also reveal that less than half of us are getting
fewer than three days of 30 minutes of exercise a week -- and
I really wonder how many are getting none at all! The culprit here
is lack of motivation. I'm guessing that if your bank account
is tanking, it's really tough to gather up the enthusiasm to
head to the gym each morning.
What you can do: Enlist the
support of a coach or friend! A partner in your
efforts can help you pull out of your hole and boost your social
time, another proven key to higher well-being. She will hold you
accountable, and make sure you are slowly, but surely, making
good on your promises. Not only will your overall feelings of
apathy subside, you'll get healthy and fit in the process,
too!
Read more: MomLogic.com -- Is the Recession Making Us Fat?
RELATED FROM MOMLOGIC
