Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between intense chronic stress and body weight changes. Variations in food and water consumption, urine volume, and BMR were also observed. Twelve rats were subjected to tone-shock pairings 20 hr. daily for 22 days. Twelve rats received only one shock; 12 rats received neither shock nor tone; and 12 rats served as home-cage controls. Animals subjected to the tone-shock condition manifested a significant body weight loss, an inhibition of food and water intake, and a reduced urine volume, as compared to other treatment groups. Prolonged intense stress is instrumental in initiating a loss in body weight due to inhibition of consummatory behavior which is concurrent with a significant anti-diuresis.