A Connection Between Stress Hormones and Weight Problems

Numerous studies have shown that cortisol, a potent stress hormone, increases hunger for sugar and other fattening foods, foods that lead to weight problems and obesity for many people. Obesity is also linked to a variety of serious mindbody health problems including diabetes and depression. Mental stress triggers cortisol and cortisol triggers appetite for high calorie foods by influencing the hypothalamus, considered by many to be the main bridge that connects the mind and body. Women seem especially vulnerable to cortisol induced problems.

Beware of marketing hype infomercials selling simplistic solutions such as supplements to prevent cortisol related weight problems, including abdominal fat. Claims made for such products are unsubstantiated, they have no science behind them. The royal road to preventing stress hormone problems is to train for the mindbody fitness that will empower you to short circuit the release of stress hormones—at their source.