Stress Can Be Fattening, Study Finds

A new study provides further evidence that as your stress level grows, your belly fat may follow. Researchers from Georgetown University found that repeated stress triggers the release of a hormone called neuropeptide Y that promotes the growth of abdominal fat.

Although scientists want to develop a drug that blocks this hormone, the more obvious strategy is to encourage stress reduction through drug-free ways, such as mind/body relaxation techniques. Here are some simple techniques you can try:

• Mindfulness Meditation
  
• Relaxation Response
  
• 4 Tips on Using Mindfulness to Change Your Mood