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