Tue, 05 May 2026 03:39:08 +0000

How Cortisol Is Sabotaging Your Belly Fat—and What True Healing Lies Within Struggling with stubborn belly fat? You’re not alone. While diet and exercise are essential, one hidden culprit often goes unnoticed: cortisol, the so-called “stress hormone.” Elevated cortisol levels can sabotage weight loss efforts, particularly around the midsection, making your efforts feel futile. But here’s the good news: understanding how cortisol drives belly fat—and taking steps toward real, sustainable healing—can transform your body and mindset. ### The Cortisol-Belly Fat Connection: Science Backed Cortisol is naturally produced by the adrenal glands to help the body respond to stress. However, chronic stress—whether from work pressure, emails, emotional strain, or poor sleep—keeps cortisol levels elevated. High cortisol promotes fat storage, especially in the abdominal area, through several biological mechanisms: