Activists circulate on social media platforms, such as “cortisol belly” and “cortisol face”, which claim that the cortisol hormone is the reason behind weight gain in certain areas of the body or swelling of the face.
These simplified terminology converts complex biological processes into just superficial concerns, according to the British Independent newspaper, which increases individuals concern about their health. What is the cortisol? Is it necessary to worry about it?
What is the cortisol?
Cortisol is a hormone that is excreted from the adrenal glands located above the kidneys, where this hormone plays the role of the natural alarm in the body, as its secretion is an essential part of the body’s response to tension, by stimulating the rapid reactions in dangerous situations, such as escaping from a predator or dealing with the stress of daily life, and cortisol also plays a vital role in regulating energy and metabolism.
The problem appears when stress becomes chronic, which leads to high levels of cortisol for long periods, in this case the cortisol can contribute to weight gain, especially in the abdominal area, due to its effect on storing fat.
Also, chronic tension may change the distribution of fat in the face, which makes it look more swollen. The distribution of fat in the body depends on multiple factors, including genes, diet, level of physical activity, and sleep quality.
Blame the cortisol alone in the subject of the abdominal fat is similar to blame the air conditioner in climate change.
Some rare medical conditions such as Kusheng syndrome, a condition in which the body secretes large amounts of cortisol hormone, causes a significant increase in this hormone, which actually affects weight and storage of fats, but this is not related to normal daily tension, so if you feel that tension affects your health significantly, it is better to see a doctor rather than relying on the videos of communication sites to diagnose your condition.
How do you deal with stress in a healthy way?
Tension can be eliminated in several ways, which are not following the “cortisol cleansing diets” or buying products promoted by influencers, but the change lies in following simple and scientifically proven habits:
- Get enough and regular sleep.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat balanced food.
- Take relaxation periods from time to time.
These terms “The belly of the cortisol” and “the face of the cortisol” play an attractive role aimed at drawing attention and increasing views, while tension represents a real problem, but the solution does not lie in the collective hysteria about a simple hormone, but the solution lies in following a balanced lifestyle, so instead of anxiety, perhaps the best thing you can do is to close your phone and take a deep breath, which is one of the best ways to reduce Cortisol naturally.