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. 2012 Mar;1(1):16-25.
doi: 10.1007/s13679-011-0006-3.

Effects of Chronic Social Stress on Obesity

Karen A Scott  1 , Susan J Melhorn, Randall R Sakai
Affiliations

Effects of Chronic Social Stress on Obesity

Karen A Scott et al. Curr Obes Rep. 2012 Mar.

Abstract

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has markedly increased during the past few decades. Stress has been suggested as one environmental factor that may contribute to the development of obesity. In this review, we discuss the role that exposure to chronic stress may play in the development of obesity, with particular attention to the effects of chronic psychosocial stress. Of particular importance is the effect that social stress has on dietary preference, food consumption, and regional distribution of adipose tissue. We present evidence from human and animal studies that links sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity with visceral obesity, and that stress tends to alter the pattern of food consumption, and promotes craving of nutrient-dense "comfort foods." Lastly, we discuss the visible burrow system, a model of chronic social stress used in our laboratory to assess the effects of social subordination on behavioral and metabolic profile.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure Conflicts of interest: K.A. Scott: is supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant MH088230; S.J. Melhorn: none; R.R. Sakai: has been a board member for Physiology & Behavior; has been a grant reviewer for the National Science Foundation; is employed by the University of Cincinnati; is supported by NIH grant DK068273, and a grant from the Department of Defense; and has received travel/accommodations expenses covered or reimbursed from the National Science Foundation.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Illustrates the visible burrow system with food intake monitoring equipment
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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