Stress is a full body experience, deeply connected to your perception of a situation, to your thoughts and feelings. It can be beneficial in some contexts and detrimental in others, especially when you keep experiencing it chronically. According to endocrinologist and stress research expert prof. dr. Liesbeth van Rossum (Erasmus MC), chronic stress causes one of the world’s leading health problems: obesity. Liesbeth aims to dive deeper into all the factors that make up a person’s health to better understand why someone may become obese. Tackling obesity requires more than “move more, eat less”. Being sensitive to the multifactorial nature of obesity can lead to better personalized treatment and can help reduce the stigma around it. Of course, a healthy lifestyle is the foundation, but we also need changes at the societal level to prevent the development of obesity. We need healthy food to be cheaper, a work environment that reduces instead of creates stress, and easier access to help when needed. Give the episode a listen learn more on the biology of stress, its connection to obesity and what Liesbeth does at the European level to develop health policies! I hope you enjoy it.

Marcos

Highlights of the episode: 

Minute (01:40) – Definition of biological stress. Connecting mind and body.

Minute (11:45) – Measuring stress. Developments in the field.

Minute (21:20) – On the relationship between stress and obesity. A complex problem.

Minute (29:10) – Factors that can lead to obesity. A deeper look and a kinder perspective.

Minute (36:40) – On personal lifestyle interventions and the importance of societal change.

For more on Liesbeth’s work at Erasmus MC, check out:

• Stress in Action: https://stress-in-action.nl/

• Fat the Secret Organ: https://www.quercusbooks.co.uk/titles/mariette-boon/fat-the-secret-organ/9781529400922/

Credits:

Host: Marcos Ross

Production: Anouk Weverling

Supported by: Myrte Schoenmakers, Artemis Stefani and Noa van Zwieten

Music: Marcos Ross