What is cortisol ? And do It really linked to your weight loss or gain ?
As human body has vast range of hormones, Cortisol is one of that many hormones produced by the body and serves Chemical Messenger. Though cortisol has number of important functions but it’s mainly known as stress hormone because of its high role in body’s stress response system. Cortisol is basically a steroid hormone that belongs to the class of Glucocorticoids hormone. The birth place of this hormone is adrenal glands in the body. But the production and release regulations are done by pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain. During stress times cortisol an adrenaline is released from your adrenal glands this trigger the increase of heart rate and energy levels in body.
Relation between cortisol levels and body weight.
Hormone regulation is one of the important factors that influence one’s body weight. Meanwhile, hormones like cortisol are usually within a narrow range by your body and endocrine system. But there are certain situations in which it may link to the body weight.
• High levels of cortisol may promote overeating.
During some cases cortisol levels remain chronically elevated in the body. This can be due to any stress syndrome because of which cortisol and blood level remains always high. High cortisol levels for a long period of time may result to,
1. High Blood Pressure
2. Weight gain
3. Fatigue
4. Sling thinning
5. Insulin resistance
6. Face flushing
During a long period of stress, it is very difficult to maintain a healthy habit. Researches and studies reveal that increase in level of cortisol in the body may lead to increase in appetite and weight gain.
• Effects of low level of cortisol on weight.
As in some cases high cortisol levels result to weight gain. Similarly low cortisol levels may lead to weight loss but depends from person to person. One such condition is Addison's disease in which body is not able to produce enough cortisol. Low levels of cortisol hormone in the body results in,
1. Decrease in appetite
2. Low blood pressure
3. Easy fatigue
4. Muscle or bone pain
5. Dizziness and weakness
6. Abdominal pain and vomiting
So even low cortisol level is also harmful for the body
Yes ! Cortisol levels have some impact on body weight.
Thus, from above mentioned facts we can say that cortisol is an important adrenaline hormone and serves many essential functions in the body. Slight elevation of cortisol level unit during stress or intense workout is common. But if it’s chronic it can be harmful. On the other hand, long-term low cortisol levels also effects body weight and appetite.
So have a healthy and nutritious diet and maintain your cortisol levels.
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