One out of three women and one out of four men are on a diet at any time, according to the University of Colorado at Boulder's Wellness Web. No doubt, some of these dieters are turning to weight loss products geared toward blocking cortisol. These products have gained considerable attention due to the possible link between the hormone and weight gain. Yet, as with many other dieting gimmicks, scientific evidence of their effectiveness is lacking. Always talk with your doctor before trying any diet pill or weight loss product.
The Stress Hormone
Cortisol is known as the stress hormone and it affects the entire body, including the functions of the immune, circulatory and nervous systems. Your body responds to stressful situations by releasing hormones such as epinephrine. The adrenal glands release cortisol, which triggers a blood glucose increase. The hormone also inhibits bodily functions that aren't necessary during a stressful event, such as gastrointestinal activity. Your cortisol levels vary throughout the day and are typically lowest around midnight, according to MedlinePlus.
Claims
High cortisol levels are linked to not only chronic stress but also weight gain. A condition involving exposure to excessive cortisol levels, called Cushing's syndrome, is marked by both obesity and high blood glucose. Companies behind cortisol-blocking weight loss products claim that too much of the hormone also contributes to weight gain -- even if you don't have a heath condition such as Cushing's. Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can then trigger appetite. The increased eating to deal with stress contributes to weight gain. In addition, fat tends to accumulate in the abdominal area when you have a high cortisol level.
Evidence
Some preliminary research does support a link between weight gain and cortisol. Findings published in September 2009 in the journal "Obesity" suggest that stress-related obesity in women is associated with higher cortisol levels. The authors also note that cortisol contributes to resistance to leptin, a hormone involved in appetite regulation. The hormone may be connected to depression, as well, which can also contribute to unhealthy eating patterns. Cortisol-blocking diet pills are designed to combat stress and appetite, thereby preventing weight gain.
Bottom Line
More research is needed to determine if there is a causative relationship between cortisol and weight gain. Until such definitive evidence is available, using hormone-blocking weight loss products isn't wise and may not be safe. The Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement in 2007 with the marketers of CortiSlim and CortiStress. They were ordered to pay $12 million to the FTC for making false claims about the efficacy of their products for weight loss and treating health conditions. Consumers who used these products up to October 2007 could request refunds through the FTC. They still remain on the market.
References
- University of Colorado at Boulder Wellness Web: Shocking Statistics
- MedlinePlus: Cortisol - Urine
- MayoClinic.com; Stress: Constant Stress Puts Your Health at Risk; September 2010
- Columbia University Health Services; Cortisol, Depression and Weight Loss; April 2004
- Federal Trade Commission; Federal Trade Commission Reaches "New Year's" Resolutions with Four Major Weight-Control Pill Marketers; January 2007
- Federal Trade Commission; Refunds for Consumers Who Purchased CortiSlim or CortiStress; September 2007
Member Comments