Is stress making you fat? - straight talk

Two and a half pounds. That's how much weight I've lost in the week that I've been on my new eating plan. I can't bring myself to say "diet." After all, I've been down the "diet" road so many times I some times feel I'm going in circles. Weight Watchers. Pills. Scarsdale. Bahamian. Atkins. Been there, done them all.

The good news is, some of the habits I developed during leaner years have stayed with me: Fried, sweet and fast foods are never as appealing as a big crunchy salad or grilled veggies, and I'd still rather walk than ride. I am, however, less successful at managing the stress in my life. And when I'm anxious, I eat.

I believe stress, along with the slower metabolism that comes with growing older, explains why, in the past few years, the pounds have piled on with a vengeance. I frequently feel overwhelmed by the large and small dramas that come with being a very busy Black woman living in America. It seems there aren't enough hours in my day to do all the things I need to do. I often can't find the time or mental space to go to the gym, get on the treadmill, take the long, brisk power walks I so love, or be more mindful about my eating.

I know I'm not alone. In a country gripped by an epidemic of obesity, Black women are at the top of the scale. Women's work is by nature stressful; it's in our DNA to nurture, fret and worry as we take care of everyone else and put ourselves last. It's no small miracle that we manage to keep ourselves together as well as we do. But I know I have to do better. I don't want to risk the consequences of not doing better: diabetes, stroke, hypertension, premature death. Or simply that miserable feeling you get when your favorite slacks are too tight

This month I'd like to reach out personally to those of you who face a similar challenge. Let's join hands and make 2003 the year we vow to work--one day at a time--toward getting in shape by adopting better eating and exercise habits. Here in our offices, senior health and features editor Sharon Boone is organizing a fitness "sister circle." Many of our staff members have already signed on. Our goal is to provide a way for you to join us so we can support each other in reaching our fitness goals. That's why, in this issue, we're kicking off part one of a three-part Total Health Challenge, which we hope will inspire you to develop a healthier lifestyle. Now you know I want to hear from you on this one. Is stress making you fat? If so, what are you planning to do about it, and how can we help? Please Email me at dweathers@essence.com, or write me at 1500 Broadway, New York NY 10036.