Part of the body's complex system of metabolic processes includes hormones like cortisol. As of 2011, research suggests that excessive cortisol production by the adrenal glands may be an underlying cause or consequence of obesity. However, scientific exploration into the relationship between stress hormones and fat metabolism is still in its initial stages. Unfortunately, no cortisol blocking "cure" for obesity exists to date.
Hormones
Hormones, like cortisol, are chemical substances that act as messengers within the body. They travel through the blood stream to target tissues and organs and affect processes like metabolism, growth, stress response and reproductive function. Even small changes to the hormone levels in your body can result in major consequences. For instance, there is some suggestion that abnormal cortisol levels may play a role in the development of obesity.
Cortisol
Cortisol is the major stress hormone of the body. When you are exposed to a physical or emotional stressor, like an injury or an argument, a complex pathway involving hormones and neurons is initiated in the brain, which results in the release of cortisol and adrenaline from the adrenal glands. Cortisol allows the body to switch from nonessential functions like digestion and reproduction, to allow it to combat or flee the stressor. Consequently, cortisol is considered a major player in the body's "fight or flight" response to stress.
Cortisol and Metabolism
Obesity has been associated with elevated levels of cortisol secretion from the adrenal glands. However, elevated levels of cortisol in the blood stream are relatively normal. The studies of the influence of stress hormones on fat metabolism and obesity are still in their infancy as of 2011. No conclusive evidence that elevated cortisol negatively impacts fat metabolism is available. However, obesity and other health problems do seem to be a side effect of chronic environmental stress.
Cortisol Blockers
Some pharmaceutical companies offer drugs called cortisol blockers as the new diet pills. The premise behind the drugs is that blocking cortisol will reduce chronic stress and result in weight loss. However, the Federal Trade Commission admonished the makers of cortisol blockers in 2007 for selling their products with false claims and they were forced to reimburse thousands of customers for the pills. With stress hormone research still in its preliminary stages, you should avoid any drugs that promise a get slim quick fix.
References
- MedlinePlus: Hormones
- MedlinePlus; Cortisol level; Ari S. Eckman, M.D.; November 2009
- MayoClinic.com; CortiSlim: Can cortisol blockers help with weight loss?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; Feb. 2010
- "The New York Times"; Cortisol Level; Dec. 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Stress: Constant stress puts your health at risk; Sept. 2010
- "Growth Hormone & IGF Research"; Activation of the Hypothalimic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Obesity: Cause or Consequence; BR Walker; June 2001
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