Cortisol and Weight Loss: Beyond Controlling One Hormone

Here’s my rewrite of the article:

Are social media influencers misleading us about cortisol and its impact on weight loss and fitness? According to health professionals like Dr Charlotte Hodges, Chair of surgery at White Rock Medical Center in Dallas and registered dietitian Britni Vincent based in Minnesota, there’s more to it than just controlling one hormone. Cortisol is essential for daily functioning but when we have too much or little, or the wrong levels at the wrong time, problems arise that affect our health beyond weight management. Hodges explained that cortisol enhances blood sugar utilisation and helps in repairing tissues during stressful situations; however, it’s one of many factors influencing weight along with environment, behaviour, gut bacteria, genes, etc. While lab tests can determine if cortisol levels are optimal for an individual, most people don’t need to monitor their exact cortisol level as a slight increase wouldn’t require medical intervention unless they have underlying conditions affecting its production. Hodges added that daily activities such as consuming too much sugar or processed carbohydrates, not getting enough sleep and excessive caffeine intake could negatively affect cortisol levels but high-intensity exercises or endurance workouts are only a cause for concern if an individual is also suffering from stress. Vincent suggested focusing on controlling psychological stressors such as workplace deadlines, relationships issues, major life events among other sources while addressing physiological responses such as reducing intake of processed foods and sugar, sleeping better by adhering to regular sleep schedules (at least 7½ hours), winding down routines before bedtime, turning off electronic devices early in the evening, keeping bedrooms cooler and darker. Hodges further emphasised taking time for mental health activities such as journaling or meditating instead of just scheduling physical self-care sessions like nail appointments; it could go a long way to improving overall wellbeing during stressful periods.