When cortisol stays chronically elevated from ongoing stress, it promotes fat storage specifically around the abdomen (visceral fat), increases appetite for calorie-dense foods, breaks down muscle, and impairs sleep. Research by Epel shows this creates a vicious cycle: stress → cortisol → belly fat → more stress. You can do everything right with diet and still struggle if chronic stress keeps cortisol elevated.
This companion covers cortisol’s normal function, the chronic problem, and stress management as metabolic necessity. (4 min read)