Trauma and Weight: A Counselling Perspective

 

When we look at weight changes through the lens of trauma, it’s not just about food or willpower,  it’s about how the mind and body respond to overwhelming experiences. Trauma can disrupt our nervous system, emotions, and sense of safety, which often shows up in our relationship with food and our body.

 

1. Trauma and Weight Gain

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​Food as Comfort:

Many people use food to regulate emotions. High-sugar or high-fat foods can temporarily calm the nervous system when emotions feel too big to handle.

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Stress and Cortisol:

Trauma keeps the body on high alert, releasing stress hormones like cortisol. This can increase appetite, encourage fat storage around the abdomen, and make it harder for the body to process sugar.

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Disrupted Sleep:

Nightmares or insomnia after trauma can throw hunger hormones (ghrelin and leptin) out of balance, making weight gain more likely.

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2. Trauma and Weight Loss

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Loss of Appetite:

Some people respond to trauma by shutting down their appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss.

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Living on the Edge:

Hypervigilance and anxiety can keep the body in fight-or-flight mode, which slows digestion and dampens hunger.

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Eating Disorders:

Trauma is strongly linked to conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder — each shaping weight and eating in different ways.

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3. Long-Term Effects

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Childhood Trauma:

Research shows that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other health issues later in life.

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Body Image & Shame:

Survivors often struggle with self-esteem and self-worth, leading to harsh dieting cycles or self-sabotaging behaviours.

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Protective Weight:

For some, carrying extra weight feels like a shield — creating safety from unwanted attention or intimacy.

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4. Healing & Support 

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Counselling Approaches:

Trauma-informed therapy (such as CBT, EMDR, or somatic approaches) can help you explore the link between emotions and eating in a safe space.

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Nervous System Regulation:

Gentle practices like breathwork, grounding, yoga, or mindfulness restore a sense of safety and help appetite settle naturally.

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Whole-Person Care:

Healing works best when both trauma and weight are addressed together,  not by focusing only on diet or exercise, but by supporting the mind, emotions, and body as one.

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From a counselling perspective, the key is compassion:

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Weight changes after trauma are not a personal failure, they are a survival response. With the right support, it is possible to restore balance, rebuild trust in your body, and develop a healthier relationship with food.