Cortisol and Belly Fat – Why You Need To Make the Connection

Too much stress in your life can take its toll not only on your mental health, but also your physical health. You may have even wondered if there’s a link between too much cortisol and belly fat. The short answer is, there is.

More times than not, too much cortisol due to chronic stress, can lead to weight gain and unwanted belly fat. We often call it out as a beer belly or a stress belly.

However, abdominal fat is not only uncomfortable, it can have dangerous effects on your health over time. Let’s dive deeper into the connection between cortisol and belly fat so that you can take control of it and lose your gut for good.

The Role of Cortisol

The hormone, cortisol plays an important part in our physiology. Not only does it play a role in many of the body’s everyday functions, but it is also helps regulate energy levels.

Cortisol also plays a role in how your metabolism functions and your blood sugar levels. It is produced in the adrenal glands, which are located at the tops of the kidneys.

This hormone in conjunction with adrenaline, is responsible for our responses to stress. Think ‘flight or fight’ as this is what happens when we are put in threatening situations.

When this happens occasionally, the body can recover. However, when stress is prolonged, stress hormones continue to stay high; that can lead to elevated blood pressure and blood sugar. That’s not helpful if you want to lose belly fat.

Effects of Too Much Cortisol

Too much cortisol in the body triggers excess glucose production. Simply put, that extra glucose ends up turning into extra fat which then gets stored in the abdomen.

Overall, excess cortisol circulating in the body can lead to obesity, according to a 2018 study. However, interesting to note is that not all obese people have high levels of cortisol.

Another key point is that too much cortisol and adrenaline can eventually stress out the adrenal glands. Over time, that can make it more difficult for fat cells to release stored fat.

Too much belly fat is a concern for other health-related issues such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and heart disease. So it is important to learn how to reduce cortisol levels.

Health Risks of Belly Fat

There are various health risks involved with having excess belly fat. Having a beer belly or a stress belly can lead to multiple chronic health problems and increase rates of mortality.

There are 2 different types of belly fat: subcutaneous and visceral fat.

Subcutaneous Fat Basics

This type of fat sits just below the surface of the skin. It’s the part you can pinch around your middle. Sometimes it is called a muffin top or love handles.

Too much is obviously not healthy. However, it is really no more harmful than too much fat located anywhere else on your body.

Subcutaneous fat helps to insulate you from cold, it protects deep tissues from trauma, and it helps to provide energy.

Visceral Fat Basics

Visceral fat is found deep beneath the abdominal surface. It wraps itself around key organs like your liver and intestines.

Too much of this type of fat can lead to an expanding waistline, low-level inflammation and insulin resistance. It is the most dangerous type of belly fat, as it has been linked to heart disease, dementia, cancer and asthma.

Side Effects of Stress and Belly Fat

Too much daily stress is unpleasant and unhealthy. And when you have too much stress, it can cause you to behave in ways you might not even be aware of that will affect your weight.

Some potential side effects of stress can include:

• overeating
• inability to make healthy food choices
• insulin resistance
• chronic inflammation
• poor sleep
• low metabolic rate
• decreased metabolism
• low energy levels / exhaustion

How To Deal With Cortisol and Belly Fat

Many things affect why a person carries extra weight in their abdomen. Genetics, age, gender, lifestyle and hormones all play a role in where you store your fat and how much extra you might be carrying around.

For example, when women go through menopause and estrogen levels begin to lower, it can add on additional belly fat. Research is also showing that men’s waistlines tend to increase with age and declining testosterone levels.

The good news is that you can take control over your belly fat. Keep in mind that there is no overnight cure for losing belly fat.

The solution to losing belly fat long-term is to adopt a proactive mindset, eat right and get regular exercise.

Related Article: The Fastest Way To Lose Belly Fat? You May Be Surprised

Solutions For Lowering Cortisol and Belly Fat

We all have stress and there is no way to permanently get rid of stress. In fact, stress can be helpful at times to help us be aware of dangers.

In order to reduce stress, there are many things you can try, including:

1. Meditation

Taking time each day to be quiet and present can help to calm the mind and lower stress levels. It has been proven effective in lowering mental stress.

2. Spend Time With Friends

Enjoying time with those you care about is a helpful way to lower stressors in your life. Plan for dinner with your partner, a coffee with a friend or go for a walk with someone you enjoy to take your mind off your problems.

3. Me Time

It is important that you spend at least a few minutes each day doing something that you enjoy to help you relax. Listen to music, read a good book or take a hot bath to unwind from a long day.

4. Exercise

Getting regular exercise helps boost mood, improve metabolism and burn visceral fat. Take the stairs over the elevator. Park a little farther from the door. And stand as much as you can.

Related Article: Yoga Burn Workout – Does It Really Get Results?

5. Reduce Your Alcohol Intake

Drinking alcohol may feel good in the moment, but it won’t help you long-term – especially if losing your belly fat is the goal. Alcoholic beverages are high in calories and that can interfere with weight loss.

6. Eat Better

Choosing healthy, nutritious, portion-controlled meals is always the best choice when trying to lose belly fat. A balanced diet that is high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats is always a good choice for weight loss.

7. Get Your Sleep

Research suggests that getting less than 6 hours of sleep per night can lead to greater amounts of visceral fat. Turn off your electronic devices an hour before bed, set up your room for better sleep and reduce caffeine throughout the day for easier sleep at night.

Related Article: What Is Resurge – Fat Burning Fountain of Youth?

Cortisol and Belly Fat Conclusion

Everybody is going to have some level of stress in their life. It is simply unavoidable. However, there are proactive things that you can do every day to increase your chances of lowering cortisol levels and reducing belly fat.

Belly fat can be the result of genetics, age and lifestyle choices.

Too much belly fat is not only unattractive, it is a very serious health concern that can lead to long-term obesity and illness. It is never too late to start working at losing your belly fat.

There is no quick fix to losing abdominal weight overnight. However, with the right mindset, a healthy diet and regular exercise, slimmer abs can happen.

If you’ve lost belly fat by reducing your stress, tell us about it in the comments below.

 

Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to be a substitution for the advice of a licensed, medical professional. Always consult with your doctor before purchasing any health supplement, especially if you are taking medication or have a medical condition. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.