Last summer, results were published from a 19-year-long study that followed the body-mass index (BMI) of a group of men and women in the United Kingdom who had similar socioeconomic status and health. (BMI is the ratio of height to weight, used to determine if someone is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.) At the start of the study, hostility was measured with a standard questionnaire scale, and at four points during the study, the subjects' BMI measurements were recorded.

Over time, hostility was correlated with an accelerated weight gain in men, whereas in women, the weight-gain level remained constant.  Basically, men who were riled up had a much higher BMI than the ones who were more laid-back. Interestingly, the researchers found that the men and women who had a high hostility level at the beginning of the study tended to have higher BMIs overall.

Why would this be? Experts say it probably has to do with that nasty insulin resistance I previously explained. Insulin resistance is caused by being overweight, by having a sedentary lifestyle, and—yes—stress! Stress will increase your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and this in turn makes your cells less sensitive to insulin-related glucose uptake, which makes you insulin resistant. This starts the whole cycle again of hyperinsulinemia, triggering leptin resistance, contributing to increased appetite, and perpetuating obesity.

Therefore, if you are a stressed-out, easily irritated person, watch out. You could be making yourself insulin resistant, more than likely causing you to be more obese than your less-agitated, harmonious peers. And guys: Pay special attention to your stress level, as it appears to increase your risk of obesity even greater than the ladies.

To decrease insulin resistance and aid in your hard effort of weight loss, you need to work on your work/life balance.  You have to make time for your health. Too often, we concentrate on our jobs and daily lives and forget to take care of ourselves. Try to get a massage more often, go to a yoga class, or even just take some deep breaths to give you a better chance at managing your stress, so you can manage your weight for life.