Elissa Epel Discusses Stress and Obesity Connection on Public Radio Program

July 10, 2007

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 links:

Stress and Obesity

The Diane Rehm Show, WAMU-FM (NPR), July 9, 2007

The Biology of Fat (or Why Literally Running away from Stress Is a Good Thing)

UCSF Science Café, July 6, 2007

Coping with Stress

UCSF Today, January 25, 2007

Big Belly May Be Matter of Stress

San Francisco Chronicle (reprinted on COAST site), January 15, 2007

UCSF Researcher Presents Findings on the Effects of Stress on Aging

UCSF Today, August 11, 2006

Study Suggests Link Between Psychological Stress and Cell Aging

UCSF Today, November 30, 2004

UCSF-led Study Suggests Link Between Psychological Stress and Cell Aging

UCSF News Release, November 29, 2004

UCSF Center for Obesity Assessment, Study and Treatment (COAST)

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