Diet, exercise, lifestyle… there are many factors that affect our ideal weight. But one factor to add to the list is cortisol, the stress hormone.
It’s certainly not new that stress is harmful. But beyond affecting our mood, cortisol can also be responsible for potential weight gain.
A study Confirms that Stress Causes Weight Gain: Here’s Why
What is Cortisol
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress.
Commonly known as the stress hormone, cortisol plays a vital role in regulating a wide range of bodily functions, influencing metabolism, the immune system, and even the inflammatory response.
This hormone, produced and secreted according to the body’s circadian rhythm, is released about 50-60% in the morning and then decreases throughout the rest of the day. Regardless of the time, when the body perceives stress, the adrenal glands release cortisol into the bloodstream, preparing the body to handle the “dangerous situation.”
Cortisol production leads to a continuous influx of sugars into the blood. This means that, as long as sugars are available, our body will not draw energy from fat tissue, but instead, it will convert this excess sugar into an additional fat reserve.
This process is a normal physiological response of the body to stressful situations.
However, when cortisol is released continuously, it can have negative effects and also impact body weight.
How Cortisol Affects Ideal Weight
The production of this hormone is a normal response to a stressful situation. But when cortisol is secreted and remains in circulation in high amounts chronically (as in prolonged stress situations), problems begin.
Various studies have indeed highlighted the association between high cortisol levels and increased appetite, and consequently, weight gain, especially in women.
This hormone can directly affect the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the body, leading to increased fat deposition, particularly in the abdominal area.
These findings add to the already established association between long-term stress and unhealthy weight gain.
Moreover, another study has confirmed that high cortisol levels can increase appetite and favor the preference for high-calorie and sugary foods, making it difficult for many people to maintain a healthy weight.
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This article first appeared on Grazia.it
