Cortisol & Stress Weight: Why Women Store Fat Differently
You know that feeling when you're doing all the right things – eating well, hitting the gym – but the scale just won't budge? Or worse, you feel like you're gaining weight just thinking about that deadlines? Yeah, us too. There's a particular kind of frustration that comes with stress weight, and it's something many of us girls experience differently than the guys in our lives. What's the deal with cortisol? Cortisol isn't inherently bad; it's our body's primary stress hormone, and it's actually pretty vital for things like regulating blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and helping us wake up in the morning. When we're stressed, our adrenal glands pump out cortisol to help us deal with the perceived threat. * In short bursts, say, when you're almost hit by a scooter, that cortisol rush is a lifesaver. It quickly gets your body ready for action. * The problem starts when stress becomes chronic. Think about your monthly reports, the n...