Elissa Epel Discusses Stress and Obesity Connection on Public Radio Program

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)