Associations between psychological stress, eating, physical activity, sedentary behaviours and body weight among women: a longitudinal study

Abstract

BackgroundThere is an increased risk of obesity amongst socioeconomically disadvantaged populations and emerging evidence suggests that psychological stress may be a key factor in this relationship. This paper reports the results of cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of relationships between perceived stress, weight and weight-related behaviours in a cohort of socioeconomically disadvantaged women.MethodsThis study used baseline and follow-up self-report survey data from the Resilience for Eating and Activity Despite Inequality study, comprising a cohort of 1382 women aged 18 to 46 years from 80 of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Victoria, Australia. Women reported their height (baseline only), weight, sociodemographic characteristics, perceived stress, leisure-time physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviours at baseline and three-year follow-up. Linear and multinomial logistic regression were used to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between stress (predictor) and weight, and weight-related behaviours.ResultsHigher perceived stress in women was associated with a higher BMI, and to increased odds of being obese in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations were found between stress and both less leisure-time physical activity, and more frequent fast food consumption. Longitudinal associations were also found between stress and increased television viewing time.ConclusionThe present study contributes to the literature related to the effects of stress on weight and weight-related behaviours. The findings suggest that higher stress levels could contribute to obesity risk in women. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these associations. However, interventions that incorporate stress management techniques might help to prevent rising obesity rates among socioeconomically disadvantaged women.

Relation of Sedentary Lifestyle with Cardiovascular Parameters in Primary Care Patients

“…Chronic stress have been reported with binge or comfort type eating with preferences for more palatable, higher fat and energy dense foods; reduced physical activity levels; increased sedentary behaviors and increased television viewing time. 44 A higher prevalence ( Table 3) of metabolic syndrome (29.68%) among sedentary subjects was found similar to Edwardson et al 45 Similarly, a statistically significant higher prevalence of obesity (56.63%; p<0.05) among the present study sedentary subjects was found consistent to Cabrera de León et al 25 However, Ekelund et al 46 shows the physical inactivity or sedentary behavior may be a consequence rather than a cause of body-weight gain. Hypertension (47.94%) was diagnosed more frequently in sedentary than non-sedentary subjects.…”

Modelling and Supporting Complex Behavior Change Related to Obesity and Diabetes Prevention and Management With the Compensatory Carry-Over Action Model

“…regular physical activity and low-caloric food) prevents stress [1,43] . Furthermore, physical exercise in particular was found to buffer the negative effect of stress on health [44,5] .…”

“…Both diabetes and obesity are directly related to an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure [1,2] . Lifestyle changes consisting of regular physical activity and a balanced diet can prevent or reduce excess body weight and obesity [3] .…”

Obesogenic environments: current evidence of the built and food environments

“…For example, an Australian study highlighted that high stress levels found in socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods were associated with poor weight management, less physical activity during leisure time, and frequent fast food consumption in women 54 . In the UK, a study of neighbourhoods with high concentrations of ethnic minorities found a mixed picture of food and physical activity environments.…”