Stress, cortisol, and weight
Healthy cortisol secretions follow a marked circadian pattern and increases in response to stress through activation of the HPA axis
„ Adipocytes (fat cells) play a major role in the body’s production of cortisol
High stress has been linked to less healthy dietary behaviors and increased body weight
„ Cortisol inhibits the secretion and actions of insulin (glucose uptake, central appetite reduction)
„ Cortisol promotes the maturation of adipocytes (fat cells)
„ Upregulation of the enzyme 11β-HSD1 promotes fat accumulation by increasing cortisol activity
„ Elevated bedtime cortisol activity is associated with imbalance and increased abdominal fat