Recession Stress Equals Weight Gain

During this time of cutting back and doing without, there's one thing that keeps increasing, and it's not your paycheck. America's obesity rate is up more than 1percent, to 26.4 percent in year-over-year comparisons, according to the Gallup- Healthways Well-Being Index poll. The recession is slimming wallets and adding mountains of stress as consumers avoid dining out and quit expensive yoga classes.

Comfort food and fast-food sales, however, seem to be holding steady. Cadbury's profits soared 30 percent in 2008, and McDonald's saw a 5 percent increase in U.S. sales as of last January. Grocery store comfort foods like boxed macaroni and cheese and canned ham are staging a comeback.

It makes sense that with unemployment in the double digits, tight-fisted consumers have also turned to cheaper means to feed their families at home. And those who still have jobs work longer hours and search for more economical meals. As a result, many Americans turn to processed foods over fresh produce.


"When people are stressed out, not sleeping adequately and working longer hours, it's all too easy to become anxiety-ridden and sedentary, and to eat emotionally," said registered dietitian Jill Place, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Other experts agree that this stress-food-sedentary effect is making more Americans chubby and prone to weight-related illnesses, such as diabetes.

Meanwhile, consumers are turning to more affordable grab-and-go snacks such as chips, cookies and candy in between, and often in lieu of, meals. One survey from Washington University in St. Louis, shows that economic uncertainty can cause significant weight gain. About 70 percent of respondents said healthier foods are increasingly difficult to afford.

These experts also report, however, that physical activity can absolutely boost your mood. If you stopped going to a gym because you can no longer afford the membership, you can still lace up a pair of walking shoes and go for a run or ride a bike to burn calories instead. "Keep a list of activities you enjoy with you at all times. This activity or exercise could make you feel better and will provide you with alternatives when you feel the urge to eat inappropriately," said Amy Dixon, Group Fitness Manager of Equinox Fitness Clubs. "Consistent exercise is a known antidote to depression. Plus, most financial stress from this recession can make you feel like life is reeling out of your control." Take manageable steps to make you feel more in charge by scheduling workouts with friends, stretching in your living room to decompress and you'll ultimately feel less overwhelmed.

Looking to get started? Try these stress-reducing workouts.

Fitness expert Nicole Dorsey Straff is a Los Angeles-based exercise physiologist and author, and frequently writes about diet, health and wellness.