10 July 2007

Elissa Epel Discusses Stress and Obesity Connection on Public Radio Program

New research suggests that chronic stress together with a high fat diet can lead to weight gain around the middle. Elissa Epel, PhD, joins NPR host Diane Rehm and other guests on the Diane Rehm Show to discuss these research findings.

Epel is assistant professor in the UCSF Department of Psychiatry and director of research at the UCSF Center for Obesity Assessment, Study and Treatment (COAST). Her own research examines relationships among chronic stress, social status, coping processes, and neuroendocrine and metabolic sequelae. She has several ongoing laboratory and field studies examining such questions as: Does the type of stress response (psychological, neuroendocrine/peptide) help determine why some people eat less during stress whereas others eat more? Does chronic stress really lead to abdominal fat distribution and insulin resistance? Do stress and obesity accelerate aging of mitotic cells? Epel also is interested in mechanisms through which stress reduction may lead to improvements in metabolic health.

Related link:
Stress and Obesity
The Diane Rehm Show, WAMU-FM (NPR), July 9, 2007

Source:
UCSF Today

 

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