When Ashnoor Kaur broke down during a recent episode of Bigg Boss 19 after hurtful comments about her weight, it wasn’t just reality-TV drama, it was a raw moment of mental-health reckoning. The young actress opened up tearfully about her long-standing struggles with hormonal imbalance, eating disorders and how her body “bloats up in a stressful situation.”
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Her candid admission sparked a wider conversation about how stress, hormones and self-image can shape our weight and well-being. To explore this important link, we spoke with Arouba Kabir, Clinical Psychologist at Ensowellness, who explains how stress can affect body weight for better or worse.
“My Body Bloats Up In A Stressful Situation,” Says Ashnoor Kaur
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The comments sparked widespread backlash, with host Salman Khan sternly confronting the accused over body-shaming. Visibly emotional, Ashnoor openheartedly shared her long struggle with body-image issues, hormonal imbalances, and how stress impacts her weight and health.
Opening up about her struggles, the 21-year-old actor said, “This thing has been a big part of my life. As a teenager, I did suffer from body-image issues. I always had hormonal imbalances and suffered from their consequences, one of which is weight gain. My body bloats up in a stressful situation.”
She further added, “As a child, even as a teenager, I tried many things. I had eating disorders — I used to avoid eating and starve myself.” Her statement resonated with many, especially young women who often experience similar cycles of stress, restrictive eating, and body dissatisfaction.
How Does Stress Affect Body Weight? Expert Explains![]()
According to Arouba Kabir, stress absolutely can affect body weight, but not always in the same direction. “Yes, it can, causing weight gain for some and loss for others,” she explains. “High levels of cortisol increase appetite and store fat, while adrenaline decreases appetite for a short time.”
She adds that long-term stress disrupts more than just appetite: “It upsets the hormonal balance, digestive process, and sleep, which can interfere with metabolism and eating habits, making some overeat and others lose their interest in food.” In short, stress doesn’t have one fixed effect. For some, it leads to cravings and comfort-food binges; for others, it blunts appetite entirely.
What Happens Inside the Body Under Stress?![]()
Chronic stress triggers a complex chain of hormonal reactions known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. “It releases cortisol and adrenaline,” says Kabir. “These, in turn, increase heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose to prepare the body for fast energy.”
But when this continues for weeks or months, it backfires:
- Sleep disruption: you feel tired but can’t rest deeply.
- Digestive issues: bloating, slow metabolism, constipation.
- Fat storage: cortisol raises abdominal fat and insulin resistance.
- Inflammation: prolonged stress inflames the gut and joints.
“Prolonged cortisol can increase fat deposits around the midsection,” she adds, “and contribute to fatigue, inflammation, and other weight-related changes.”
How Stress Influences Appetite and Eating Patterns![]()
Kabir highlights that stress affects hunger hormones ghrelin and leptin differently. Acute stress may suppress hunger, but long-term stress leads to cravings for sugary, fatty, or salty “comfort” foods. This can escalate emotional eating or, in others, cause appetite loss.
Why Do Responses Differ Among Individuals?
“Some people’s stress causes cortisol-driven cravings for food as a way to self-soothe,” she explains. “Others, dominated by adrenaline-related alertness, lose hunger and focus on survival.” Genetics, mood, coping habits, and life experiences also influence how stress affects eating.
Managing Stress-Related Weight Changes Naturally![]()
Arouba Kabir shares some practical tips:
- Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing
- Maintain regular exercise and sleep routines
- Eat a balanced diet with whole foods, limit caffeine and sugar
- Stay hydrated and avoid emotional eating
- Develop emotional resilience via journaling or hobbies
- Seek support from friends, therapy, or nature time
A 2023 study from PubMed Central found that chronic stress and elevated cortisol are strongly linked to weight changes, particularly fat accumulation in the abdomen. The study highlights the role of psychological and biological factors in eating behaviour and metabolism.
Conclusion
Ashnoor Kaur’s emotional revelation shines a light on how stress can fuel hormonal imbalances, body bloating, and disordered eating. The expert’s insights help us understand the complex ways stress can both increase and decrease weight. Managing stress with mindful lifestyle choices and professional support when needed can restore hormonal balance and support a healthy weight. Above all, the conversation reminds us to approach body image with kindness and awareness rather than judgment.
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Current Version
Nov 03, 2025 14:20 IST
Published By : Vivek Kumar