We all know what stress is – we are faced with it each day. Whether we are dealing with financial difficulties, the sickness or loss of a loved one, relationship problems, distressing events, or the constant demands of daily life, we are continually under pressure. Our bodies are hardwired to react to any stress as an imminent threat or danger, and the natural response is to trigger what is known as the “fight-or-flight” mechanism.

Under normal circumstances, the relaxation response takes over after the perceived threat is gone and the body returns to its typical state. But for folks who are faced with constant stress – a frequent occurrence in our high-pressure world – the relaxation response does not occur often enough or last long enough, resulting in imbalances that can bring about long-lasting damage.

Medical researchers have revealed that one of the main factors in stress-related illness is cortisol, the so called “stress hormone.”

* What is cortisol?

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys). Cortisol helps to maintain the metabolism of sugar, plays a role in controlling the release of insulin, normalizes blood pressure, and functions as part of the immune response.

Cortisol is as well an essential part of the fight-or-flight response; it provides fast vigor, boosts memory function, strengthens the immune system, decreases the body’s sensitivity to pain, and helps to maintain homeostasis (the internal environment, including body temperature and blood pressure).

* How does cortisol cause weight increase?

While cortisol itself does not make you obese, high levels are known to result in the storage of fat in the ab area. Tummy fat (referred to in medical terms as central adiposity) and those delightful bulges we all know as “muffin tops” are proven to have numerous serious health consequences:

- Leptin Overproduction: Leptin is produced in adipose tissue (abdominal fat) in proportion to the amount of fat
existing. This hormone helps to regulate energy intake and spending; in simple terms, it controls the
appetite, and high levels can result in food cravings – an issue which in the end leads to the production of
even more abdominal fat.

- Insulin Resistance: Central adiposity causes resistance to insulin, the hormone which is responsible for
signaling the cells to metabolize energy. Insulin resistance, or pre-diabetes, leads to a a lot of health
problems which are known collectively by the ominous-sounding term “metabolic syndrome.” Not a disease
in itself, metabolic syndrome refers to a group of risk factors, including:

> excessive levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides;
> low levels of good (HDL) cholesterol;
> high blood pressure;
> high glucose levels in the blood.

All of these issues can eventually lead to more serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

* How can I tell if I have high levels of cortisol?

If you think that stress may be causal to your weight gain, an adrenal stress check can be administered to find high cortisol levels.

* How can I counteract stress-related weight gain?

There are a number of steps you can take to prevent the accumulation of abdominal fat due to additional stress. These comprise some lifestyle changes that are basic to drop your stress levels and support good health:

- Consume a low-sugar diet to prevent the overproduction of insulin.
- Keep fit – this lowers your stress levels, promotes weight loss, and boosts your endorphins, the feel-good
hormones.
- Practice a stress management method, for example yoga, to promote relaxation and increase your ability to
cope with stress.
- Take a cortisol-lowering supplement. *Crucial: do this ONLY after a saliva test has detected excessive
cortisol in your system!

With good stress management and an overall healthy way of life, you can prevent the effects of stress on your waistline, as well as on your general sense of well-being.

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