Stress and Weight Gain
- Cortisol stimulates the liver to increase blood glucose levels, which causes AGE formation, oxidative stress, and inflammation
- Cortisol inhibits protein synthesis and therefore inhibits muscle growth
- Cortisol increases protein breakdown in skeletal muscle
- Can lead to a decrease in metabolic rate
- Cortisol negatively impacts thyroid hormone
- Can decrease metabolic rate and calorie burning ability
- Low cortisol causes symptoms such as chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, irritability, depression, and increased pain perception
- Reduces willpower to exercise, feeling sore for longer after exercise, and seeking comfort foods to combat mood
- Low cortisol also leads to excessive blood sugar swings, issues with insulin, testosterone, and inflammation
- Kalev S, Walsh, B. 7 Reasons You’re Not Getting the Results She Is. Kindle Edition
