Measuring Stress - Why it matters with Metabolic Syndrome

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It has been well known for a long time that that there can be a link between cortisol (the stress hormone) and abdominal obesity. Abdominal obesity is one of the 5 factors of Metabolic Syndrome.

When we think 'stress', it is easy to think of our psychological stressors. These are the ones we tend to be most aware of such as work stress, caregiver stress or financial stress. However, there can be a lot of stress to a body that is caused by things that are not as readily visible. For example, sleep stress, chronic dehydration [2,3] or even obesity itself.  

There may be some individuals that are more susceptible to stress than others. This research goes in depth about susceptible individuals in stress and obesity.[1]      



Fortunately there are a lot of advancements that can tell us more about the current state of our  health. In particular, tests and technologies are continually emerging where we can get some good clues regarding our current stress level.  

One measure of stress is how much of the hormone cortisol is being produced by the body.  Similar to other lab tests that have become more widely available for at home use, several companies provide options for blood or saliva cortisol testing that can be mailed into a lab. However, these would be a one-time snapshot and likely involve some turn-around time for results.

Another, more immediate way to measure stress in the body is to monitor Heart Rate Variability or HRV. Heart rate variability is a measurement that includes variation in the time interval between heartbeats [4]. In general a higher HRV may conclude less stress while a low HRV may conclude more stress at that point.     

HRV may not correlate exactly to cortisol secretion, but HRV has been studied as an indicator of stress in the body.[4]  This study looks HRV in response to stress.[4]  

...HRV has been studied as an indicator of stress in the body.

In a medical setting, HRV can be measure by an electrocardiogram (EKG).  There are now several other 'wearable tech' devices that can measure or estimate HRV at home.  

I have an Apple Watch (Series 7). It collects data and syncs to the Apple Health app on my phone.  This information has been valuable as I can look at trends in my HRV in the app.  *some older model apple watches may not measure HRV.        

Several other wearable tech devices that take this measurement. Some examples include the following (I have not tried these, but they look interesting):
I have found that looking at my HRV trends to be very helpful. For example, when I get more sleep, my HRV numbers are usually higher. I have also found a correlation between being well hydrated and my HRV results.  Looking into HRV may be a way to get some clues on what is causing your body stress.


REFERENCES
  1. van der Valk ES, Savas M, van Rossum EFC. Stress and Obesity: Are There More Susceptible Individuals? Curr Obes Rep. 2018 Jun;7(2):193-203. doi: 10.1007/s13679-018-0306-y. PMID: 29663153; PMCID: PMC5958156.
  2. Tomiyama AJ. Stress and Obesity. Annu Rev Psychol. 2019 Jan 4;70:703-718. doi: 10.1146/annurev-psych-010418-102936. Epub 2018 Jun 21. PMID: 29927688.
  3. Chang T, Ravi N, Plegue MA, Sonneville KR, Davis MM. Inadequate Hydration, BMI, and Obesity Among US Adults: NHANES 2009-2012. Ann Fam Med. 2016 Jul;14(4):320-4. doi: 10.1370/afm.1951. Erratum in: Ann Fam Med. 2020 Nov;18(6):485. PMID: 27401419; PMCID: PMC4940461.
  4. Kim HG, Cheon EJ, Bai DS, Lee YH, Koo BH. Stress and Heart Rate Variability: A Meta-Analysis and Review of the Literature. Psychiatry Investig. 2018 Mar;15(3):235-245. doi: 10.30773/pi.2017.08.17. Epub 2018 Feb 28. PMID: 29486547; PMCID: PMC5900369.

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