Guest guest Posted March 29, 2005 Report Share Posted March 29, 2005 Email this articleClick to send Print this articleClick to print Most popular pagesToday | This Week Cortisol's role in weight gain still up for debate http://www.azcentral com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/0329qaweil0405.html# Mar. 29, 2005 12:00 AM QUESTION: There has been lots of information lately about elevated levels of the hormone cortisol in women and the possible tie to weight gain. Is it true that coffee can lead to elevated cortisol levels and, therefore, stimulate unwanted weight gain? ANSWER: Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands in response to stress, and recent research does suggest that there may be a tie between cortisol levels in women and the accumulation of excess weight in the abdominal area. A study at Yale University in 2000 compared stress reactions among women who had a high waist-to-hip ratio (because their fat tended to be in the belly) with those among women with a low waist-to-hip ratio (indicating more fat storage in the hips than the waist). The researchers noted that diseases caused by high levels of cortisol (Cushing's syndrome is one) are characterized by excessive amounts of fat in the abdominal area, an unhealthy distribution that increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. In addition to the link to weight gain, elevated cortisol levels can have adverse effects on the immune system, memory and sugar metabolism. In the Yale study, women were given tests (involving puzzles and speech designed to stimulate stress) to see how they responded. The researchers found that women with a high waist-to-hip ratio, whether they were overweight or slim, secreted more cortisol under stress and also reported more stress in their daily lives than women with low waist-to-hip ratios. Results of the study were published in the September-October 2000 issue of Psychosomatic Medicine. As far as caffeine is concerned, a study published in the July-August 1998 issue of Psychosomatic Medicine showed that caffeine can elevate levels of cortisol and another stress hormone, ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), in men prone to high blood pressure as well as in men at low risk for this disease. That's all we know. I doubt that caffeine has much impact on weight gain as a result of any effect on cortisol levels. Although these findings are interesting, it would be a mistake to blame all weight gain on cortisol. Heredity plays a role, too, as well as such lifestyle factors as smoking, alcohol consumption and lack of exercise. If you want to decrease the impact of stress in your life, which may result in lower cortisol levels, be sure to get regular exercise and sufficient sleep. Incorporate meditation and relaxation techniques into your daily routine. Breathing exercises also will help you be calm. http://www.azcentral com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/0329qaweil0405.html# Weil, M.D., is a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine and is a professor of medicine and the founder and director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Weil is also a bestselling author, monthly columnist for Prevention magazine, and editor of Self Healing Newsletter. Go to www.DrWeil.com for more information. Email this articleClick to send Print this articleClick to print Most popular pagesToday | This Week Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.