Health daily desk: Stress-related weight gain

November 27, 2000
Web posted at: 3:22 PM EST (2022 GMT)

Discussion questions

1. What is stress? According to Dr. Pamela Peeke, how can stress make you fat? Have students define the terms "fat cells," "receptors" and "stress hormone." What is the origin and purpose of the "fight and flight defense mechanism"? How does this defense mechanism contribute to weight gain? How can people stop the cycle of stress-related weight gain?

2. Do you ever feel stressed? If so, why? How does stress make you feel? How do you relieve stress? Have students work in groups to learn more about the positive and negative effects of stress and have them share their findings. Instruct students to identify the diseases and disorders that are stress-induced, including depression. After students share their information, ask them why they think some people handle stress better than others? Do they think using prescription medication to manage stress is a good idea? Why or why not?

3. Have students refer to the Web sites below to learn about the symptoms of stress and ways to manage stress. Group students. Have each group do some role-playing in which members depict a student dealing with a stressful situation at home, school, work or with friends. Following each group's presentation, have members ask the audience to strategize a solution to resolve the stressful situation. Have each group demonstrate stress management techniques by acting out the proposed solution.

Stress is bad, but one expert says it's also fattening
October 30, 2000

"Fight Fat After Forty"
Shape Up America!
Stress patrol

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