Can cortisol be the reason I’m gaining weight?

Cortisol is a hormone that your body releases when you are stressed. According to the research, when you have too much stress for a long time, your body can make more cortisol. This extra cortisol can cause your body to store more fat, especially around your belly.

Here are a few key points:

1. Stress and Cortisol: When you are stressed, your body makes more cortisol. This is a natural response, but too much cortisol over time can lead to problems.
2. Fat Storage: The extra cortisol can tell your body to store more fat, especially in the belly area. This can make you gain weight.
3. Long-term Effects: If you are stressed for a long time, the effects of cortisol can add up and make it harder to keep a healthy weight.

If you are worried about stress and weight gain, it might be helpful to talk to someone who can help, like a doctor or a counselor. You can also find support for mental health concerns at 988lifeline.org.