Does Cortisol Really Matter for Weight Loss?

Cortisol is known as a steroid hormone that is being produced in the adrenal glands in the body near the kidneys. Cortisol is also sometimes called the stress hormone because the body releases this hormone every time it feels stressed or is under a lot of pressure. But Cortisol is more than what it appears because this hormone is necessary for the everyday function of the body. But before we can discuss how Cortisol affects weight gain or weight loss, it is first important to examine the real function of this hormone.

Cortisol acts as the intracellular receptor of the body and because of this, it influence most of the body's physiological functions. For example, it affects the immune system, the vascular tone, and the bone metabolism of a person. It also acts as the regulator of glucose found in the body. For this reason, keeping a healthy balance of Cortisol in the body is important for the overall well-being of a person.

Aside from the functions stated above, Cortisol has many other different functions such as the regulation of blood pressure and keeping the cardiovascular system healthy. Cortisol also helps process the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that are being ingested to the body everyday. Cholesterol is synthesized and this produces the hormone Cortisol secretion improves the body's response to stress and other forms of negative pressures such as sickness, surgery, or emotional distress. Cortisol also helps protect a person from temperatures extremes and physiological trauma because this hormone is specifically produced to aid the body in times of distress.

The Cortisol levels found in the body may vary throughout the day. Generally though, the Cortisol levels are highest in the early morning, usually around six to eight in the morning. And the Cortisol levels are at its lowest during midnight. You should note though, that Cortisol levels will be considerably higher just after every meal. Here is an overview of how Cortisol works in the body.

When Cortisol is released, it leads to the breakdown of the protein found in the muscles. When this happens, the result is the release of the building blocks of protein, the amino acid. Further, this amino acid will go to the bloodstream and find its way to the liver where it will then be used to synthesize glucose and convert it to energy. This process is known as gluconeogenesis.

Gluconeogenesis will then raise the blood sugar and this will cause the body particularly the brain to have more glucose to use as energy. But you should take into consideration that there will be decrease in the body's use of glucose because its use is concentrated in the brain. This is an advantageous process for a person?s well-being though because Cortisol will enable the body to release the stored fatty acids which comes from the fat cells and use this acid for the muscles. When this process happens, it will ensure that the entire body will have the adequate nutrients and energy it needs to function properly.

But how do all these affect your weight? Well, if you consider the hormonal imbalance most people experience because of everyday stress, the fact that weight gain is widespread is not surprising. However, it is an incorrect conclusion to blame weight gain on the increased secretion of Cortisol alone because your lifestyle contributes more to weight gain than the production of Cortisol.

You should remember though that Cortisol can have adverse effects if there is too much Cortisol being produced on a consistent basis. Also, high Cortisol levels are connected with the fatigue, moodiness, irritability, anxiety, and depression. In addition, high levels of Cortisol can lead to a weakened immune system and weight gain. Recent studies also showed that there is a direct correlation between high Cortisol levels and weight gain. This is because if the body is under stress, its natural tendency is to store fat and release the Cortisol hormone to fight against stress.

As you can see, this process of storing fat is not good if it is done on a regular basis. The fat storage is also usually concentrated on the abdominal area and this can even prompt food cravings. The overall process of releasing too much Cortisol then leads to excess weight gain.

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