![]() ![]() 10, 11 This may be due to the fact that chronic stress increases activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which has been found to increase sweet cravings in persons prone to binge-eating sweet and fried foods, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. In addition, stress tends to elicit cravings for sweet and fried foods, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages 2, 10 these cravings are linked to increased caloric consumption and resultant higher body mass index. 7 – 9 Thus, there may be a physiological component to the tendency to overeat during times of stress. 2 Increased cortisol production has been shown to potentiate hunger. 5 Both these behaviors may have a significant impact on body weight. 5, 6 The exacerbation of negative mood in response to external stress elements is highly correlated with increased food intake, 2 and chronic stress is also associated with reduced physical activity. 4Ĭhronic stress may also lead to changes in eating behavior. 2, 3 Stress causes systemic elevation of stress hormones such as cortisol, and chronic elevation of these hormones leads to increased visceral adiposity and other metabolic syndrome. Psychological stress has also been linked to weight-gain and obesity. 1 Excess stress is also associated with symptoms such as muscle tension, gastrointestinal disturbances, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunction, headaches, and fatigue. ![]() The outcome of this study suggests that Ashwagandha root extract can be used for body weight management in adults under chronic stress.Ĭhronic psychological stress is a major health concern worldwide and has been associated with numerous serious illnesses, including depression, cardiac disease, diabetes, hypertension, and possibly even cancer. Also, the extract was found to be safe and tolerable. The treatment with Ashwagandha resulted in significant improvements in primary and secondary measures. Each subject was assessed at the start and at 4 and 8 weeks. Secondary efficacy measures were Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, serum cortisol, body weight, and body mass index. Primary efficacy measures were Perceived Stress Scale and Food Cravings Questionnaire. A total of 52 subjects under chronic stress received either Ashwagandha (300 mg) or placebo twice daily. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a standardized root extract of Ashwagandha through a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Ashwagandha is a well-known adaptogen and known for reducing stress and anxiety in humans. Chronic stress has been associated with a number of illnesses, including obesity. ![]()
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