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Sami (Papacek) Mansfield: Why being a stress eater is a human behavior and what you can actually do about it

Sami (Papacek) Mansfield/LinkedIn

Apr 26, 2025, 13:21

Sami (Papacek) Mansfield: Why being a stress eater is a human behavior and what you can actually do about it

“Fat gain doesn’t creep – it crashes in.”

“A recent perspective in the International Journal of Obesity challenges the traditional view that fat gain is a slow, steady process. Instead, it highlights how sudden life disruptions – like holidays, injuries, or major life changes – can lead to rapid and lasting increases in body fat.

This concept of ‘lifestyle instability’ is particularly relevant for cancer survivors. Post-treatment phases often involve significant changes: hormonal shifts, reduced physical activity, and altered routines. These disruptions can make survivors more susceptible to rapid fat gain, impacting their overall health and recovery.

Traditional advice focusing solely on daily habits may not suffice. We need to recognize and address these high-risk periods with targeted support and interventions.

In our My Lifestyle Shift program, we emphasize: Key Strategies for Proactive Cancer Survivorship Care:

Anticipate Life Disruptions: Recognize periods of potential lifestyle instability – such as post-treatment phases, hormonal changes, or major life events – that may impact survivors’ health behaviors and outcomes.

Implement Targeted Interventions: Develop and apply specific strategies during high-risk periods to maintain energy balance and prevent adverse health effects, focusing on nutrition and physical activity.

Provide Personalized Support: Offer tailored nutrition and exercise plans that consider individual treatment histories, side effects, and personal preferences to enhance adherence and effectiveness.

Shift to Proactive Care Models: Transition from reactive to proactive care by equipping survivors with tools and resources to navigate unpredictable moments, fostering resilience and long-term well-being.

Our newest content addition is about stress and weight. Why being a stress eater is a human behavior and what you can actually do about it!”

Sami (Papacek) Mansfield, Founder at Cancer Wellness for Life, shared on LinkedIn.

Sami (Papacek) Mansfield