Scam Victim Weight Gain And Psychological Trauma

The Somatic (Physical) Effects of Psychological Trauma are many and most of them are bad!

Primary Category: Psychological Trauma

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Psychological trauma, an emotional response to intensely distressing events, profoundly impacts both the mind and body. Originating from incidents such as crimes, accidents, or prolonged abuse, trauma triggers the “fight-or-flight” response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

While adaptive in acute scenarios, chronic activation of this response leads to significant health issues, including cardiovascular problems, metabolic disturbances, and immune system compromise.

Elevated cortisol levels result in increased fat storage, particularly visceral fat, and altered insulin production, promoting weight gain and insulin resistance.

Historically, these responses ensured survival during physical threats and food scarcity by mobilizing and storing energy efficiently. However, modern chronic stressors misalign with these ancient mechanisms, leading to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other health complications.

Addressing psychological trauma through holistic approaches that consider both mental and physical health is crucial for promoting overall well-being and resilience.

Psychological Trauma has many effects on the Human Body – Almost All of them are Bad! One noticeable effect is Weight Gain

Introduction to Psychological Trauma and Its General Impacts on the Body

Psychological trauma is an emotional response to an intensely distressing event or series of events, that has profound and far-reaching impacts on both the mind and body. Traumatic experiences can arise from various sources, such as crimes like scams & fraud, accidents, natural disasters, or prolonged exposure to abusive environments. While the psychological ramifications of trauma—such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—are widely acknowledged, the physical consequences are equally significant and often intertwined with mental health.

When an individual experiences trauma, the body’s immediate reaction is to enter a heightened state of alertness, commonly known as the “fight-or-flight” response. This response is orchestrated by the autonomic nervous system, which releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to prepare the body to face the threat. While this mechanism is adaptive in short bursts, chronic activation due to unresolved trauma can lead to a myriad of health issues, and some of them can become chronic.

The persistent elevation of stress hormones disrupts various bodily systems, resulting in a host of physical symptoms and conditions. These can range from cardiovascular problems, such as hypertension and heart disease, to metabolic disturbances, including insulin resistance and obesity. Furthermore, the immune system can be compromised, making individuals more susceptible to infections and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are also commonly reported by those with a history of trauma, highlighting the profound connection between the brain and the digestive system. Musculoskeletal problems, including chronic pain and fibromyalgia, often accompany Read More …