A review and meta-analysis of the relationship between stress and obesity

Obesity is emerging as a serious problem throughout the world. Of the factors contributing to obesity, stress seems to be particularly important as stressful condition leads to irregularity in diet, lack of exercise and difficulty in emotion regulation, each being considered independent factors leading to obesity. The aim of the present research was to conduct a review and meta-analysis of the studies related to stress and obesity. The sample of the studies used includes 22 studies conducted in Iran and abroad from 2002 to 2019, which included 10,828 participants. The findings of this study indicate that there is a mutual relationship between stress and obesity. Among 22 studies, except in three of them, there were significant relationships between psychological problems such as stress, anxiety and depression with obesity, overweight, overeating or one of the eating problems. The results of this study have valuable insight on the relationship between stress and obesity for mental health professionals. Managing stress and emotion regulation will prevent obesity and eating problems, as well as considering the psychological variables such as stress and anxiety in the treatment of obese people.