Everyone’s Talking About Cortisol Levels — Here’s What You Need To Know

A new buzzword has made its way to social media: cortisol. Whether you’re scrolling for ways to destress, boost your workouts, or improve your diet, you’ve probably heard “cortisol” dropped somewhere in the context of overall health. 

But what actually is cortisol? And why is lowering it being used as a magic cure-all for any and all health issues? To find out more, including  how cortisol functions in your body, we spoke with Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a New York City-based neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind.

What Is Cortisol?

Put simply, cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. “When we encounter stressors, whether they be physical or emotional, cortisol is released to help us cope with the demands,” Dr. Hafeez explains. “Cortisol helps regulate metabolism, inflammation, and immune responses.”

According to Dr. Hafeez, the biggest disruptor to your cortisol levels is chronic stress, “which has been associated with various physical and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular problems,” she adds.

To find out if you have high cortisol, your doctor can test your blood, urine, or saliva, depending on your symptoms. Some of these symptoms include weight gain, purple stretch marks on your stomach, high blood pressure, and excessive hair growth. 

Why Is Everyone Talking About Cortisol?

Viral trends circulating around social media are nothing new, but the mention of cortisol is. “TikTok has become a hub for users to share personal experiences, tips, and information about various health topics, including stress and anxiety,” Dr. Hafeez says. “As cortisol is a hormone intricately linked to stress, it has garnered attention as a focal point for mental well-being conversations.”

No matter how helpful TikTok and Instagram may seem, however, or how much you feel like you’re learning on the platforms, it’s important to remember that each individual is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all cure for any health issue. 

Does Cortisol Affect Your Weight?

You’ve probably seen some fear-mongering going on. Some “experts” claim that high cortisol levels cause weight gain, but it’s not so black and white. “The relationship between cortisol and weight gain is complex and multifaceted,” Dr. Hafeez says. “While cortisol does play a role in metabolism and fat storage, the idea that simply lowering cortisol levels will lead to weight loss oversimplifies the issue and may indeed be a symptom of toxic diet culture.”

Whenever you watch a video about health, make sure to consider the sources and the person making the video. If they are not a health professional, they are likely making guesses or interpretations based on their own health journey. If they are a health professional, they will likely include some sort of disclaimer that their advice is not meant for everyone. 

According to Dr. Hafeez, the link between cortisol and weight gain is as follows: “Cortisol's role in weight gain primarily revolves around its influence on appetite, metabolism, and fat distribution.”

Dr. Hafeez says that when cortisol levels are “chronically elevated, it can lead to increased appetite, particularly for high-calorie foods, and can promote fat storage, especially in the abdominal area. This can contribute to weight gain over time, particularly if stress is prolonged or chronic.” However, she notes, “it's crucial to recognize that cortisol is just one piece of the puzzle regarding weight management.” 

How Can You Lower Your Cortisol?

Because high cortisol may increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and other chronic diseases, it can be helpful to lower your levels to lower your risk. Getting regular exercise and consistently good sleep, lowering stress levels, and eating a nutritious diet can help.