Role of Stress and Cortisol in Belly Fat Accumulation
Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but its effects on health extend far beyond temporary discomfort. Chronic stress plays a significant role in belly fat accumulation, with cortisol, the primary stress hormone, acting as a critical mediator in this process.
Understanding how stress and cortisol contribute to abdominal weight gain provides valuable insights into managing and reducing belly fat for better overall health.
When the body perceives a threat or challenge, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activates. This leads to the release of cortisol from the adrenal glands.
One key factor in this genetic predisposition is the variation in genes responsible for fat storage and fat metabolism. For instance, genes like the FTO gene (fat mass and obesity-associated gene) are known to impact an individual's likelihood of storing fat in certain regions, including the abdomen.
This gene has been shown to affect appetite regulation and the body's ability to burn calories, making it easier for some people to gain weight, especially around their belly, despite their best efforts to stay active and eat healthily.
Another critical aspect of belly fat accumulation is the difference between subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat lies just under the skin, whereas visceral fat surrounds internal organs like the liver and intestines.
Cortisol is essential in short-term stress responses, helping the body mobilize energy by increasing blood sugar levels and suppressing non-essential functions like digestion.
However, when stress becomes chronic, cortisol levels remain elevated for prolonged periods, triggering adverse effects on the body.
One of cortisol’s primary roles is to ensure the body has enough energy to handle stress. To do this, cortisol stimulates the conversion of protein into glucose and promotes fat storage, particularly in the abdominal region.