High Cortisol Levels?

becschneider

Hi everyone!!

I was just wondering if having a high cortisol level can stop you from losing weight? I recently had a test
done and it showed my levels to be WAY over whats normal. I'm exercising at curves everyday and usually go for a
walk at lunchtime and ride trials motorbikes and eat just above my minimum on here but i usually lose a
kilo and then gain it back, so i'm wondering if its stress related. I also have high insulin resistance and cholestorol.

Thank you

kantone999

Cortisol is the "stress hormone." It dumps into our bloodstream when we feel threatened--gotta carbo-load to run from that sabre-tooted tiger. (Obviously your reptile brain does not keep up with species extinction news.) Anyway, cortisol makes you crave carbs; carbs usually result in excess calorie intake and POOF! Spare tire effect. If you're not overly stressed, check your caffeine intake. Caffeine stimulates cortisol production--why most nutritionists advise getting off the caffeine when your make a dietary lifestyle change. Good luck!

HeidiMightyRawr

I did a little research into this before and it seemed like high cortisol levels could hinder a person's chances of lowering their body fat as low as someone with normal levels
(I think there was a study on people who ate the same and exercised the same, but some had higher levels and they had a few % less drop in body fat than the others)
This body fat level was still low though, around 15-18% so it's not really a reason to be overweight, just might make it that bit harder to go the extra mile.

High levels also seemed to make it harder to gain muscle mass, than those with normal levels.

diletta24

you replied by yourself, a kind of explanation. I try to clear up .
High cortisol levels aren't DIRECTLY related to weight gain or difficulties to lose weight.
TWO well known factors are related to high cortisol levels: 1. the fat distribution (due to different distribution of cortisol receptors) 2. insuline resistence (that you mentioned).

Increased cortisol doesn't promote itself weight gain but fat storage around your tummy/middle body. Fat storage in this area (and long term diabetes risk) are related to insuline resistance, because of insuline dependant lipogenesis enzymes (etc etc).

If it's slight increased, likely it's stress-related. Rely on your GP for further info and a look at others hormones levels. Consider my explanation as an explanation, not a consultation
bw!