Cortisol is a hormone created and released by the adrenal glands, which are small organs located on top of each kidney. It is often recognized for its role in the body’s stress response, helping the body cope with challenging situations. Beyond stress, cortisol influences various bodily functions, maintaining stability within the body. This article explores the connection between lower-than-normal cortisol levels and potential weight gain.
Cortisol’s Functions in the Body
Cortisol plays a broad role in maintaining the body’s internal balance. It helps regulate metabolism, affecting how the body processes fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for energy. This hormone also works to keep blood sugar levels stable, increasing glucose availability when needed. Furthermore, cortisol contributes to blood pressure regulation and helps reduce inflammation throughout the body. It influences the sleep-wake cycle, contributing to the body’s natural rhythms.
What Low Cortisol Means
When the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, the condition is known as adrenal insufficiency. This can occur for a few reasons. Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) happens when the adrenal glands themselves are damaged and cannot produce sufficient hormones. Another type, secondary adrenal insufficiency, occurs when the pituitary gland in the brain fails to send the necessary signals to the adrenal glands.
How Low Cortisol Can Lead to Weight Gain
Low cortisol levels can impact weight through several interconnected mechanisms. When metabolic regulation is compromised due to insufficient cortisol, the body may become less efficient at using energy from food, potentially leading to increased fat storage. The profound fatigue often experienced with low cortisol can significantly reduce a person’s physical activity, further contributing to weight accumulation. Some individuals with low cortisol may also experience increased cravings for salty or sweet foods, which can lead to higher caloric intake. Additionally, the body may retain more fluid, presenting as weight gain that is not solely fat mass.
Recognizing Other Signs and Seeking Help
Beyond weight gain, low cortisol can manifest through various other symptoms that often develop gradually. These can include chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, and low blood pressure, which may cause dizziness. Other common signs are a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and an unusual craving for salt. Since these symptoms can be general and overlap with many other health conditions, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. A medical evaluation, often involving specific tests to measure hormone levels, is the appropriate step to determine the underlying cause and discuss suitable treatment options.