Effect of life stress on overall and central obesity patterns in school employees

A myriad of lifestyle factors have been implicated in the obesity epidemic. Psychological stress is associated with behavioral and neuroendocrine changes that may be related to obesity patterns. In a community-based participatory research model, we examined the association between life stress and obesity patterns. Eighty-eight women and 11 men (ages 20-72 years) employed at 5 public schools in rural Oklahoma completed the perceived stress scale and underwent anthropometric assessments. Central obesity was defined according to the revised International Diabetes Federation guidelines. Individuals with higher overall obesity (body mass index (BMI) ³ 30) and central obesity (waist circumference > 80 cm in women and > 94 cm in men) reported higher stress levels compared to individuals with normal weight and waist circumference (F (2,91) = 4.99; p = .009 and F (1,90) = 5.01; p =.03 respectively). A linear trend was seen between life stress and overall obesity (p < .004) after adjustment for age. There were no gender differences in perceived stress levels by BMI or waist circumference categories. Physical activity levels and socioeconomic status did not confound the relationship between obesity patterns and life stress. These findings demonstrate a relationship between psychological stress and increased overall and central obesity, thereby providing evidence for a psychological component associated with the staggering rise in obesity prevalence that extends beyond the effect of potential known confounders.