What Is Cortisol And How Does It Affect Your Weight Loss Plans?

A natural steroid hormone, Cortisol, is referred to as a stress hormone and is produced by the adrenal gland cortex. Cortisol is directly connected with many different functions of the body. For example, the immune system works with the hormone to regulate the blood sugar with the body. Furthermore, Cortisol is connected directly with functions of the liver. As you can see Cortisol is an extremely important hormone, so what does that have to do with weight loss? In a word, everything.

In general, levels of Cortisol within a person fluctuate constantly. Usually higher levels are present early in the day and lowers levels has the day progresses. While the patterns of cortisol can be generally the same, there are triggers that could result in a fall or rise of the hormone during the entire day. The biggest trigger is stress related. As a stress hormone, whenever a person feels stressed out, the body releases cortisol in strong doses.

Why should that be of concern to you? How is that related to weight loss? Research has shown and experts believe that there is likely a great connection between weight gain and the production of cortisol. How does this theory work? Well whenever you feel stressed, as stated before, cortisol is released by the body in strong doses. They believe that the extra cortisol produced by the body is what causes weight gain. You see cortisol is used in the cells in your body, they believe that the extra production works to create more fat cells.

You see cortisol is directly related to the syndrome known as fight or flight. When you become stressed out, the body gets prepared for that syndrome. The adrenal gland produces more cortisol. The cortisol releases sugar into the blood. This is all in preparation for fight or flight. With stress, the body creates the need for energy. This is where the belief in the connection of cortisol and weight gain comes into play. For those under chronic stress, it may mean the risk of weight gain.

There are several different cortisol blockers available in the market today. This are to fight the harmful affects of cortisol and weight gain. However, it is important before you start taking these that you understand if your weight gain is a direct result of the stress hormone. It is important that you speak to your doctor first, prior to beginning any type of remedy.