Cortisol is a stress hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to physical or emotional stress. While it plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, blood pressure, and inflammation, chronic high cortisol can have harmful effects, especially on weight and hormone balance.
When cortisol stays elevated for long periods, it increases appetite and cravings for sugary, high-fat foods. This leads to overeating and fat storage, especially around the abdomen, where fat cells have more cortisol receptors. Abdominal fat is metabolically active, releasing inflammatory chemicals that further disrupt hormones like insulin, leptin, and ghrelin, which control hunger and metabolism.
Cortisol also raises blood sugar by triggering the release of glucose from the liver. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, making it harder for cells to absorb glucose and easier for the body to store fat. At the same time, chronic stress diverts the body’s resources away from producing reproductive hormones. This can reduce estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels, leading to irregular cycles, mood changes, fatigue, and further metabolic issues.
Additionally, prolonged high cortisol suppresses the thyroid, slowing metabolism and causing weight gain even without increased food intake. It can also reduce muscle mass, which lowers the body’s ability to burn calories.
In short, cortisol links stress to weight gain and hormone disruption by driving cravings, promoting abdominal fat, disturbing insulin function, reducing reproductive and thyroid hormones, and slowing metabolism. Managing stress through sleep, balanced nutrition, meditation, and gentle movement is key to restoring hormonal balance and preventing cortisol-related weight gain.
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