Can Anxiety Cause Weight Loss?

Have you experienced unexplained weight loss on top of other mental health symptoms? It might be due to anxiety.

The emotional and psychological effects of anxiety are often the first aspects of the condition to come to mind, but anxiety can also have a significant impact on physical health. By triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, anxiety activates the body’s “fight or flight” response, which prepares us to respond to threats. When anxiety becomes chronic, this response stays active, causing physical symptoms like increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and heightened alertness.

Another physical symptom of anxiety can be unexplained changes in body weight, including unexplained weight loss. Here’s how anxiety can affect your weight, the underlying causes of anxiety-related weight loss, and what to do if you’re experiencing unintentional weight change. 

Can anxiety cause weight loss?

In short — yes. There are several reasons why anxiety can significantly impact a person’s weight and metabolism, leading to noticeable and often unexpected weight changes. Here are some reasons why anxiety can contribute to weight loss.

1. Loss of appetite

Many people notice a significant decrease in their appetite when they feel anxious due to the constant worry and fear that can make eating seem unappealing. In severe cases, just the thought of food can trigger physical discomfort and increase their stress level, making it challenging for the person to eat regular meals. This prolonged decrease in food intake and consequently consuming fewer calories can lead to unintentional weight loss, weakening the body and potentially affecting overall health if not addressed promptly.

2. Increased metabolism

Because of the continuous stress hormone release with anxiety, a person’s metabolism can significantly speed up. This increase in metabolism means the body burns more calories at rest, leading to a greater energy deficit and can lead to rapid weight loss. Additionally, the constant release of cortisol can cause muscle tissue breakdown, further contributing to weight loss. 

Over time, the strain on a person’s body from maintaining this heightened metabolic state can leave them feeling fatigued, making it even harder to meet nutritional needs and maintain a healthy weight.

3. Digestive problems

The connection between anxiety and the digestive system is strong, as the brain and gut communicate through the gut-brain axis, meaning stress signals from the brain can disrupt digestion and can, in turn, amplify anxiety. Common symptoms of anxiety-related digestive issues include nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, which can interfere with regular meals and nutrient absorption. Such disruptions can make it hard to maintain a healthy weight and cause unexpected weight loss.  

4. Anxiety medications

While a person might be prescribed an anti-anxiety medication to help manage symptoms, they sometimes find themselves losing weight. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may suppress appetite, especially in the early stages of treatment, as they increase serotonin levels and play a role in mood regulation and appetite loss. With the reduced desire to eat, people might end up consuming fewer calories and lose weight gradually.

Anxiety and eating disorders

In some cases, anxiety can contribute to intentional weight loss in the form of eating disorders like bulimia nervosa or restrictive eating behaviors. For those with an eating disorder, the fear of gaining weight can become overwhelming and a significant source of anxiety itself, leading to obsessive thoughts about food or body image that results in dangerous weight loss.  

On the other hand, anxiety-driven emotional eating often involves turning to food for comfort, particularly food that is considered unhealthy. These behaviors may provide temporary relief but can result in further anxiety and cycles of binge eating that contribute to long-term weight management challenges.

When to seek medical attention for an eating disorder or weight loss

For those experiencing significant weight loss, persistent changes in appetite, or other concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice. Sudden or unintentional weight loss can be a sign of serious health conditions that require prompt attention, and healthcare providers can help determine if these weight changes are linked to anxiety or another underlying issue. Oftentimes, weight loss is not even thought of as a symptom of mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, but it is common among them. 

Also, the majority of individuals with eating disorders require professional treatment to fully recover, regardless of the kind of eating disorder that they have. If you or someone in your life is struggling with an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. 

Early intervention is crucial to address the root cause and prevent further health complications, and in some cases may promptly help restore appetite, stabilize weight, and improve overall well-being.

How to manage anxiety-related weight loss

If there is a suspicion that anxiety is behind one’s unexpected weight loss, there are several strategies to help manage the issue and get back to a healthy weight.

1. Seek professional help

Working with a therapist or counselor can provide valuable support in addressing the anxiety contributing to a person’s weight loss, helping to explore the emotional and physical triggers that may be influencing said weight loss. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in particular, is effective for managing anxious thoughts and identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, replacing them with healthier, more balanced perspectives. By addressing the underlying anxiety, people can develop a more mindful and positive approach to eating, reducing emotional eating or food-related stress.

2. Prioritize nutrition

Focusing on a balanced diet with nutrient-dense foods, such as whole foods, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, will ensure that the body receives the essential vitamins and minerals it needs. If someone has a particularly low appetite due to anxiety, eating small, frequent meals or snacks  can help them consume enough calories to maintain a healthy weight and support overall health while also making the brain healthier. Consistency is key, so being sure to develop lifestyle changes and a regular eating habit, even with appetite fluctuations, is important to maintain energy levels and also potentially reduce symptoms of anxiety. 

3. Consider medication

In some cases, anti-anxiety medication may be necessary to control severe symptoms while also reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as racing heart and digestive issues. With less discomfort, physically and emotionally, people might be able to restore a normal appetite and prevent further weight loss. By alleviating the intensity of anxiety, these medications can also make it easier for people to engage in therapy, adopt healthier coping strategies, and improve overall quality of life. 

4. Practice stress-relieving activities

Engaging in regular exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques can contribute to improved mental health by lowering stress levels, stabilizing appetite, and supporting better weight management. Regular physical activity, whether it’s yoga, walking, or strength training, can help regulate hormones that influence hunger and satiety, making it easier to maintain a balanced diet. 

Similarly, mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, can reduce the impact of negative thoughts and emotional triggers that often lead to overeating or unhealthy eating habits. Over time, integrating these practices into a daily routine can promote a sense of calm and balance, making it easier to manage both physical health and emotional state.

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for dealing with serious mental health conditions, including anxiety. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing your mental health is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.