New research shows it may not be what you eat that affects your risk for metabolic disease … but how stressed you are when you eat it.

Published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology [Psycho-neuro-endo-crin-ology], the research compared the eating habits of 61 women. Thirty-three women were experiencing chronic stress, while twenty-eight reported experiencing low stress. For a year, the women recorded the amount of high-sugar, high fat-foods they consumed.

The results showed that women with chronic stress who ate large amounts of high-sugar, high-fat foods were more likely to suffer from health problems than women in low-stress situations who ate the same amount of high-fat, high-sugar foods.

Researchers measured the likelihood of future health problems by examining waistlines and fat deposits. They also looked at insulin resistance to check for obesity and diabetes. A blood test was conducted to check for oxidative damage in cells, which contributes to diabetes and faster cellular aging.

Subjects with chronic stress and higher sugar/fat consumption showed more symptoms in all of these areas. Stress is known to produce a compound called peripheral neuropeptide Y, or N-P-Y. The combination of N-P-Y and eating junk food results in larger abdominal fat cells and a greater likelihood for metabolic problems.

The American Psychological Association suggests several ways for people to reduce chronic stress. They can talk about their problems with others, increase exercise, reduce caffeine consumption and seek professional mental help to name a few.

In addition, high-sugar, high-fat foods can also be replaced with fruits, vegetables and high-fiber, carbohydrate-rich foods. These foods are all known to help your body combat the effects of stress.