Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisReducing CortisolSupplementsWhen to Seek Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Reducing Cortisol
Supplements
When to Seek Care
Yet for some people, high levels ofcortisolcan lead to overeating and weight gain, notably in the abdomen. Stress, steroid use, and tumors can all cause cortisol levels to increase. Serious health issues, such asCushing’s syndrome, can arise.Treatment and management of high cortisol levels focuses on addressing the underlying cause.
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Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands (located on top of each kidney). Among other things, it helps regulate metabolism and your body’s response to stress. Signs of high cortisol levels may include:
Some studies have found that stress-induced cortisol levels can cause people to increase the amount of food they eat.
Excess cortisol stimulates glucose production. This excess glucose is then typically converted into fat, which gets stored in your body. With cortisol, it’s stored asabdominal fat(sometimes called central adiposity).
Defining Abdominal FatAbdominal weight gain includessubcutaneous fatjust below the skin, and visceral fat deep within the abdominal space. Excess visceral fat can increase the risk of certain health conditions.Abdominal weight gain is one of the most dangeroustypes of obesity, and one that contributes to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, andheart disease.
Defining Abdominal Fat
Abdominal weight gain includessubcutaneous fatjust below the skin, and visceral fat deep within the abdominal space. Excess visceral fat can increase the risk of certain health conditions.Abdominal weight gain is one of the most dangeroustypes of obesity, and one that contributes to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, andheart disease.
Other medical conditions than can cause the body to make too much much cortisol include:
Prescription Drugs and Cortisol LevelsThe use of long-term, high-dose steroids can cause high levels of cortisol.These include drugs likeprednisone, cortisone, methylprednisone, and dexamethasone.
Prescription Drugs and Cortisol Levels
The use of long-term, high-dose steroids can cause high levels of cortisol.These include drugs likeprednisone, cortisone, methylprednisone, and dexamethasone.
Cortisol levels can be diagnosed with tests that rely on blood, urine, saliva, or hair samples. In most people, the cortisol levels are highest when you wake up but they can vary based on factors including:
The reason for high cortisol levels found on test results will need to be diagnosed. These next steps may include imaging studies to evaluate for an endocrine tumor or other cause.
Reducing Cortisol and Belly Fat
There are many ways to reduce cortisol in the body, including medication changes. Treatment is focused on the underlying cause.
Medication
Reducing cortisolrelated to prednisone or other medication is done slowly. This process is known as tapering over a number of days, rather than just stopping. An abrupt decrease can result in symptoms such as fatigue, fever, muscle and joint pain, and psychiatric symptoms.
Stress Management
If your cortisol levels are elevated due to chronic stress, it’s important to find ways to manage your stress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities recommend behavioral changes that will reduce your stress level and help reverse insulin resistance and other effects.
These include:
A 2024 review looked at 58 studies of stress management techniques used to lower cortisol levels, including talk therapy andmindfulness strategies. They found that mindfulness and meditation, along with relaxation practices, were the most effective.
Underlying Health Conditions
Other conditions may occur with high cortisol levels, with some increasing the risk of heart disease and other serious health issues. These include:
Can Your Diet Affect Cortisol Belly?Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight can help you lose belly fat. Avoiding sugary foods, such as fructose-sweetened drinks, can also provide some benefit.Talk with your healthcare provider about diet and exercise changes to manage cortisol levels.
Can Your Diet Affect Cortisol Belly?
Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight can help you lose belly fat. Avoiding sugary foods, such as fructose-sweetened drinks, can also provide some benefit.Talk with your healthcare provider about diet and exercise changes to manage cortisol levels.
Supplements and Cortisol Belly
Marketers of supplements that claimed to block cortisol to produce rapid weight loss ran afoul of the Food and Drug Administration. One brand, CortiSlim, was subject to a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) action over such claims.
The FDA found claims that the product kept cortisol levels in a healthy range and promoted weight loss were unsubstantiated.According to the FDA, it didn’t work—and would need to be regulated as a drug if it did.
In the United States, the FDA does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs.That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you experience symptoms of high cortisol levels, it’s important to reach out to your healthcare provider. Having high cortisol levels can put you at increased risk for health problems such as:
Untreated conditions like Cushing’s syndrome can be fatal. If you have other concerns, such as dealing with stress levels, reach out to a healthcare professional for help. Stress management may require medical assistance.
Summary
Treatment primarily focuses on reducing cortisol levels. Because high cortisol levels can put you at risk for other health problems, it’s important to see your healthcare provider right away if you notice any signs or symptoms.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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