Research
Hormonal
Psychogenic factors, particularly stress and PTSD, are decisive in the development of obesity through mechanisms involving high cortisol and sympathetic overactivity.
If you struggle with stress or PTSD, recognize that these mental health challenges can biologically drive weight gain through cortisol. Addressing mental health through therapy or stress management is a critical part of obesity treatment.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
However, the psychogenic factor plays a decisive role in the development of obesity. Research has shown that there is a strong association between stress and weight gain, with obesity being more common in people with PTSD.
Why this rating
Review paper citing studies on PTSD and stress.
Source
360-Degree Perspectives on Obesity
Magdalena Cuciureanu et al. · Medicina · 2023
DOI 10.3390/medicina59061119
narrative_reviewCited 27×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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