Stress, cortisol and weight gain

The intricate relationship between stress, cortisol, and weight gain is complex. It involves a variety of biological, psychological and lifestyle factors that influence your physical health, mental well-being and emotions.

Cortisol is the primary stress hormone that your adrenal glands release in response to a stressful event or a high level of anxiety. It’s often released alongside another stress hormone called norepinephrine.

Let’s take a look at the close links between stress, cortisol and weight gain.

The body’s biological response to stress

When the body perceives stress, whether in the form of a heavy workload or almost being hit by a bus, the brain signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol.

This hormone prepares the body for a ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response by increasing energy availability to the muscles and diverting blood away from the digestive tract. Long-term exposure to cortisol may cause digestive issues because of this, and it may also impact the production of other hormones, such as reproductive hormones.

Cortisol and appetite

Cortisol influences appetite regulation, leading to an increase in appetite, especially for foods that are high in sugars and saturated fats. This can contribute to overeating and weight gain during times of extreme stress or emotional turmoil.

Cortisol and abdominal fat accumulation

Chronically high levels of cortisol have been linked to the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area, known as central adiposity. Excess abdominal fat is associated with an increased risk of several chronic health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The impact of cortisol on hunger hormones

Stress can disrupt the production and use of hunger hormones, including leptin (satiety hormone) and ghrelin (hunger hormone). In turn, this can influence appetite, including an increase in cravings, the desire to eat more and feeling less satisfied after a meal.