Research has long suggested that poor stress management and the subsequent build of stress is harmful to the body. But it is not just humans that are affected. Evidently the ape world is no different.
Not only does stress do the obvious, increase heart rate, blood pressure, hormone levels, it is the increase in hormones that casues an underlying issue. Catecholamines and glucocorticoids, which are designed to sustain the body in times of stress, can be harmful when we live in a continuous state of anxiety and stress. Cortisol signals for the body to store energy (fat) and consume calories to survive. That stored fat seems to always be in the abdomen as well. Catecholamines prepare the body to fight or flee (flight) in a dangerous situation.
The body does not know what the stressor is. But it is probably not famine or a mountain lion, we get stressed and end up with a positive caloric balance (gain weight) and no movement. Stress management is important to use these hormones and not let them build up in the body. They are many ways to decompress, but physical activity is probably the best. Go for a walk and feel better.
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