Furthermore, the weight that people gain as a result from a spike in cortisol is often around the abdomen. Fat accumulated around the waist area is attributed to the development of cardiovascular disease, earning it the nickname of “toxic fat.”
What causes cortisol belly fat? Cortisol belly fat, or visceral fat, is often associated with high stress levels. When the body is under chronic stress, it produces an excess of the hormone cortisol, which can lead to fat accumulation, particularly around the abdominal area.
Common signs and symptoms of higher-than-normal cortisol levels include: Weight gain, especially in your face and abdomen. Fatty deposits between your shoulder blades. Wide, purple stretch marks on your abdomen (belly).
High cortisol levels can also cause inflammation of your digestive tract and throw off the balance between the beneficial and harmful bacteria that live in your digestive tract. Stress can also affect the muscles of your intestines, which prevents your bowels from filtering out harmful gut bacteria.
Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome
One of the main signs is weight gain and more body fat, such as: increased fat on your chest and tummy, but slim arms and legs. a build-up of fat on the back of your neck and shoulders, known as a "buffalo hump" a red, puffy, rounded face.
This may be due to menstruation, heart or kidney failure, preeclampsia, or medicines you take. A rapid weight gain may be a sign of dangerous fluid retention. If you quit smoking, you might gain weight. Most people who quit smoking gain 4 to 10 pounds (2 to 4.5 kilograms) in the first 6 months after quitting.
Another reason weight loss becomes challenging is that high levels of cortisol cause our bodies to produce less testosterone. Testosterone helps us build muscle mass but a decrease in this makes us burn fewer calories.
If a person believes they have high or low cortisol levels, they may wish to take a cortisol test. Usually, these tests take place at a medical practice. However, several at-home cortisol tests are available to purchase. A person can take these tests at home by providing a urine, blood, or saliva sample.
As your body perceives stress, your adrenal glands make and release the hormone cortisol into your bloodstream. Often called the “stress hormone,” cortisol causes an increase in your heart rate and blood pressure. It's your natural “flight or fight” response that has kept humans alive for thousands of years.
Cushing's syndrome is a disorder caused by the body's exposure to an excess of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol affects all tissues and organs in the body. These effects together are known as Cushing's syndrome.
Too much cortisol can cause some of the main symptoms of Cushing syndrome — a fatty hump between the shoulders, a rounded face, and pink or purple stretch marks on the skin. Cushing syndrome also can cause high blood pressure or bone loss. Sometimes, it can cause type 2 diabetes.
Stress belly is not a medical condition, it is a sign of how stress and stress hormones are affecting your weight and especially belly fat. The high levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone is associated with abdominal fat.
Take deep breaths. Several studies reveal the benefits of deep-breathing exercises for at least five minutes, three to five times a day. Research shows that it helps to lower cortisol levels, ease anxiety and depression, and improve memory. To get started, try using a deep-breathing app like Insight Timer or Calm.
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower elevated cortisol levels and lead to an inflammatory reduction. Omega-3s also improve mood, mental clarity, and memory. Natural sources of omega-3 fish oils include sardines, salmon, anchovies, mackerel, and other fatty fish.
I recommend magnesium glycinate or malate. Most adults need approximately 800mg per day. Magnesium prevents excessive cortisol, lowers blood pressure, and lowers blood sugars through insulin control.
However, other studies show that while consuming 1,000 calories a day may result in significant weight loss, most people cannot sustain it and often experience significant weight regain . The reasons include regaining lost muscle mass and increased appetite. Also worth noting is that the human body can adapt.