Cortisol is a hormone/steroid that is naturally produced in the body by the adrenal glands. Eating, stress, exercise and psychological stressors cause the release of cortisol into the bloodstream. The release of cortisol is also triggered when a person's level of alertness is higher than normal. Cortisol controls how much energy the body uses, and allows the body to release stored fat when it is needed. Cortisol aids in the creation of new fat cells and the movement of fat cells from one location to another.
Obesity
Harmful changes can occur in the cells and tissues if the body is exposed to high levels of cortisol for extended periods of time. As cortisol moves fat from place to place, tissues break down and extra fat cells are dumped into the bloodstream. Cortisol receptors are more abundant in the abdomen than in any other area of the body. Due to the extra receptors and increased blood flow to the abdominal area, fat cells tend to accumulate there easily and obesity can become an issue.
Cortisol's Effect on Fat
The amount of cortisol in the body determines how much weight a person gains and how fat cells are stored. Enzymes from the adipose cells in the abdominal area control the concentration of cortisol in the blood. These enzymes determine where fat is deposited throughout the body. Because the stomach has large stores of fat cells and an abundance of cortisol, extra amounts of fat may be drawn to the abdomen and deposited there.
Circulatory System
Cortisol moves fat by way of the bloodstream. Excess amounts of cortisol in the blood can lead to high glucose levels and higher than normal blood pressure readings. Complications involving the circulatory system can arise if large amounts of cortisol are continually released into the bloodstream over long periods of time. Heart disease and stroke may be a result if the circulatory system becomes too overburdened with fat cells.
Stress
When the body is under stress, excess amounts of cortisol are released. Protein is broken down at a faster rate when exposed to high levels of cortisol. This loss of protein can lead to the deterioration of muscle tissue. Osteoporosis can also be a result of muscle loss and protein deficiency. Additionally, elevated blood sugar levels are also possible due to the excessive amounts of cortisol. High levels of cortisol can limit the amount of glucose the body is able to use. Further, an overabundance of cortisol can compromise the body's immune system, leaving it vulnerable and unable to fight off infections. The production and secretion of sex hormones are also affected by elevated cortisol levels.
Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is also known as hypercortisolism. It is a disease that occurs when the body is exposed to abnormally high levels of cortisol for extended amounts of time. Outward signs of Cushing's syndrome include a fatty hump between the shoulders, purplish stretch marks, and a round face. People who have Cushing's syndrome are at higher risk for bone loss, high blood pressure and in some cases, diabetes. According to MayoClinic.com, one of the primary causes of hypercortisolism is the overuse of corticosteroid medications.
References
- MedlinePlus: Cortisol Levels
- University of New Mexico: Cortisol Connection
- Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom: C. northrup, 1989
- Mayo Clinic: Cushing's Syndrome
