Have you ever wondered why you’re constantly craving sweets, feeling foggy, or gaining weight even though nothing’s changed in your routine? You’re not imagining it. For many, the problem starts with one powerful hormone: cortisol.
Cortisol is a key hormone in your body’s stress response, but when it stays elevated for too long, it can disrupt your metabolism, spike your cravings, tank your energy, and increase stubborn weight gain, especially around the belly (Sic et al., 2024).
What’s Really Going on with Cortisol?
Cortisol is a stress hormone produced in the adrenal glands that is responsible for our body’s physical and psychological responses to stress, but it does so much more. Cortisol also supports metabolism, regulates inflammation, and assists with immune functions (Stalder et al, 2020).
But when cortisol levels remain high for too long, it can cause problems such as:
• Widespread inflammation
• Anxiety and mood imbalances
• Persistent fatigue
• Disrupted sleep cycles
• Weight gain and increased abdominal fat
(Hewagalamulage et al., 2016).
Cortisol and Weight Gain: What’s the Link?
High cortisol levels have been linked to abdominal obesity, which is when excess fat is stored in the abdominal cavity and surrounding organs. Research shows that cortisol can increase cravings for high-fat, high-sugar “comfort foods”, leading to overeating and fat storage. While emotional eating might feel soothing in the moment, it can contribute to long-term weight gain and poor metabolic health (Razzoli et al., 2017).
How to Naturally Lower Cortisol
Fortunately, there are effective, science-backed ways to bring down cortisol and regain control over your energy, mood, and weight.
• Mindfulness & relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, breathwork, yoga)
• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fibre, protein, and healthy fats
• Exercise regularly, especially low-impact movement like walking or swimming
• Limit caffeine and sugar intake
• Journal, unplug and take breaks from screens
(Rogerson et al., 2024)
Test Your Cortisol (and More)
If you’re noticing symptoms like unexplained weight gain, chronic fatigue, or stress eating, it might be time to check your cortisol and other related health markers.
Epicentre’s Mental Health Wellness Analysis tests for:
• Cortisol
• Vitamin D, B12, Folate
• Homocysteine
• Free testosterone
• TSH (thyroid hormone)
• Fasting insulin
• CRP (inflammation marker)
• Magnesium, Calcium, Iron Profile
• DHES (stress-related hormone)
Book your Mental Health Wellness Analysis at Epicentre today to better understand your stress and hormone health.
📍 No Referral needed. Walk into one of our labs or book an appointment online.
Book Your Cortisol Test Today
If you’re feeling out of balance, a quick lab visit could help you find the cause. Our expert team at Epicentre will guide you every step of the way.
📍 Visit one of our Walk-In Labs in Cape Town, Durban, or Johannesburg—or contact us to book your test!
References
Hewagalamulage, S., Lee, T., Clarke, I., & Henry, B. (2016). Stress, cortisol, and obesity: A role for cortisol responsiveness in identifying individuals prone to obesity. Domestic Animal Endocrinology, 56, S112-S120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.domaniend.2016.03.004
Razzoli, M., Pearson, C., Crow, S., & Bartolomucci, A. (2017). Stress, overeating, and obesity: Insights from human studies and preclinical models. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 76, 154-162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.026
Rogerson, O., Wilding, S., Prudenzi, A., & O’Connor, D. B. (2024). Effectiveness of stress management interventions to change cortisol levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 159, 106415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106415
Sic, A., Cvetkovic, K., Manchanda, E., & Knezevic, N. N. (2024). Neurobiological Implications of Chronic Stress and Metabolic Dysregulation in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Diseases, 12(9), 220. https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12090220
Stalder, T., & Kirschbaum, C. (2020). Cortisol. In M. D. Gellman (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine (pp. 516–519). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-39903-0_171
