Periods of prolonged chronic stress increases both cortisol & insulin levels, and in combination, this will send a strong signal to fat cells to store as much fatty tissue as possible. This fat signal tells cells to hold on to their fat stores while the stress can prevent the ability of our body to release fat from its stores. Combine this with the fact that were highly catabolic via excess cortisol & reduced anabolic hormones; this wills straight up cause our body to not only store fat but also lose muscle, slows our metabolic rate, while artificially increasing our appetite! Hiring a Dallas personal trainer can help you with tips on how to loose that stubborn fat and give you tips on how to exercise.