Your body has a built in stress reaction that was meant to help keep you alert and protected from harm. Triggered by stress, the release of a particular hormone called Cortisol can often go into overdrive and the negative effects of persistent elevated stress levels can not only damage your mental state, but it may also add pounds. Researchers have studied the effects of cortisol on the body leading some to wonder, can elevated cortisol levels caused by continual stress add pounds to your belly?

A recent study at Yale University reported that non-overweight women who are vulnerable to the effects of stress are more likely to have excess abdominal fat, and have higher levels of the hormone (cortisol). Elissa S. Epel, Ph.D, lead investigator of the study said a healthy lifestyle, including getting enough sleep, exercise and relaxation, may reduce cortisol levels. (1)

What is Cortisol? Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland that is released in the brain. It functions in the body in a variety of ways and is released in response to stress, acting to restore balance in the body. However a prolonged cortisol secretion (often caused by chronic stress) can result in significant physiological changes.