5 Ways Stress Makes Fat Loss Harder

5 ways stress makes fat loss harder

Did you know that our level of stress is a major factor determining how much fat we lose?

I see it all the time with my nutrition clients. The ones who have stressful lives have the hardest time making progress.  Also, what a lot of people don't realize is that their weight loss efforts (cutting calories, or exercising) are actually stressors on the body too.  What I see people doing (and in all honesty have done myself) is cut calories TOO low and exercise TOO much.  Which is extremely taxing on our bodies. This is why I encourage my clients to fuel their bodies properly by eating enough food and not exercising too much.

Here’s a few ways high levels of stress can make fat loss harder:


• Make it difficult to keep long-term goals at the front of your mind
• Slow your metabolism by suppressing thyroid production
• Interfere with sleep
• Intensify hunger and cravings
• Drain your energy so you’re too tired to workout⠀

Bottom line in order to lose fat, you’ve got to manage stress. Here are some ways you can do that:

1. Remove stressors from your life.  The nightly news, scrolling IG first thing in the morning, or that 5:00am cardio class. 
2. Prioritize sleep.  Getting enough sleep is crucial for reduced stress.
3. Add in low impact workouts like yoga, walking, pilates, or swimming
4. Set boundaries with work and home.  Tell clients or co-workers that you have business hours, maybe 9:00-5:00pm and then adhere to them.  Stick to your guns!
5. Say no!  It's okay to say no to things that don't bring you joy.  Focus on what DOES bring you happiness!
6. Practice gratitude.  Whether it be saying it in your head or writing it in a journal, gratitude journaling can be extremely beneficial in reducing stress.

Don’t disregard the effects that stress can have on the body and on your weight loss goals! This is something we address A LOT in The Macro Way. For more info on this nutrition and fitness based group coaching program, click the link below or feel free to reach out with any questions!