2023-09-27 01:00:00
Fatima Khalil wrote Wednesday, September 27, 2023 04:00 AM
Cortisol hormone Among the many hormones present in the body, it is commonly known as the stress hormone, due to its role in the body’s response to stress, and some people wonder whether cortisol levels in the body affect body weight, as some believe that cortisol can hinder weight loss strategies, in this In the report, we learn about the relationship between the hormone cortisol and weight loss, according to the “Health Shot” website.
What is cortisol?
Cortisol, also known as glucocorticoids, is an important hormone produced by the adrenal gland in the human body and plays an essential role in various psychological processes.
Some of the functions of cortisol include:
1. It is the most important hormone for metabolic functions, as it helps in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
2. Cortisol also helps regulate blood pressure and maintains fluid balance in the body.
3. It is also an essential component of many hormones, including those that control sexual and growth functions.
The adrenal glands, located just above the kidneys, secrete this hormone and apart from aiding in the body’s response to stress, some of its other functions include:
• Escalating blood sugar levels
• Prevent infections
• Helps in the metabolism of nutrients
• High levels of cortisol attack our immune system
Cortisol is generally released closely with your body’s circadian rhythm. The expert says that about 50-60% of cortisol is released within 30-40 minutes of walking, and its levels fluctuate throughout the day.
The pituitary gland and hypothalamus, located in our brain, regulate its production and release. While the natural release of cortisol prepares the body to fight any potentially harmful situation, persistent elevations can have negative side effects.
Can cortisol affect weight loss efforts?
When cortisol levels are within the normal range, it is essential for proper nutrition and overall health and in this case, cortisol does not hinder weight loss efforts.
However, when an excessive amount of cortisol is introduced into the body through medications such as steroids, it may lead to weight gain. Therefore, in such cases, it becomes necessary to stop using steroids.
In some people, cortisol levels remain chronically high. This could be due to extreme stress or a condition called Cushing’s syndrome, where cortisol levels in the blood remain high.
Some side effects of high cortisol include:
• overweight
• Hypertension
• Tired
• Mood Swings
• Thinning of the skin
• Nervous mood
• Difficulty concentrating
• Insulin resistance
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