Stress causes significant negative effects on the body. The adrenal gland produces a hormone called cortisol which is designed to help get us out of a crisis, under conditions of chronic low-grade stress elevated cortisol can lead to weight gain, particularly visceral fat around the middle. As we know this is the most dangerous type of weight gain. If you have had weight problems after a period of stress we may suggest salivary hormone testing to ascertain your cortisol and DHEA levels. If these have been affected they can be successfully treated with herbal medicine.