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

The Shocking Truth Behind Cortisol Belly That Doctors Won’t Tell You If you’ve ever stared at your midsection and wondered why fat stubbornly clings to your belly—even when diet and exercise seem to be working—cortisol might be the hidden culprit. While most medical professionals focus on calories in versus calories out, fewer discuss how stress hormones like cortisol drive visceral fat accumulation, especially around the middle. Doctors often overlook this key player, leaving many confused by persistent belly fat. Here’s the shocking truth behind cortisol belly—and why your doctor might not have told you everything. ### What Is Cortisol, and Why Does It Matter for Your Belly Fat? Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress—emotional, physical, or metabolic. Often called the “stress hormone,” cortisol helps your body respond to danger by boosting energy, suppressing non-urgent functions, and regulating blood sugar. But when stress is chronic, cortisol levels remain elevated, and that’s when trouble starts—especially for your waistline.