Medical researchers embark on a new journey of probing how some dieters were able to attain a more
successful weight loss results than the others. Their main focus is studying the brain and cortisol production in the body and its
connection to weight loss. This study is timely owing to the alarming statistics revealed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US that obesity prevalently affects younger children between the age of 6 and 19. With the growing obesity epidemic, the Agricultural Research Service in California, through the efforts of a nutritionist scientist Kevin Laugero and Nancy Keim, a chemist, conducted a study among 29 obese individuals with the focus of the study on cortisol effects and
weight loss.
The weight loss regimen study
In the experiment conducted through
a weight loss regimen that lasts for 12 weeks duration, the various factors affecting
weight loss management were observed. This includes the monitoring and observation of the decision making ability of the participants in the study as well as the changes involved in their cortisol level. The researchers noted that the subjects were provided the same kind of foods under a controlled calorie meal but the rate of
weight loss among them vary. Some did not lose weight at all while others lose weight ranging up to 27 pounds.
Apparently, those who lost significant weight are those who obtained a higher Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) score. This is the standard test when conducting an assessment on a person’s ability to resist short term but immediate rewards with a favorable decision over long term benefits. The subject’s cortisol level is monitored by taking a sample of their saliva during the day. According to the study, cortisol has long been noted to be a reliable indicator in determining the presence of psychological stress. The same hormone is also associated to the relapses of the participant’s going back to their old eating habit that tends to make them gain weight. It appears that the cortisol level of the subjects was high during the diet induced
weight loss.
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is a hormone that is associated to stress. The adrenal glands are responsible for the secretion of cortisol in the body which is stimulated by the body’s endocrine system. Ideally, the level of cortisol in the body should be neither too high or too low. The hormone is important in regulating how the body uses its energy sources. It thus produces a balance between the body’s ability to relax and adjusting to stress just as Cialis online would help improve the blood circulation in the body.
The abnormal production of cortisol in the body however could disturb the body’s circadian rhythm and it may induce a higher level of stress to the body. This often occurs when one lacks sleep, under emotional or physical stress, anxiety, dieting and depression. An over production of cortisol level in the body results to the symptoms of weight gain and increased cravings and appetite.
Stress level and weight gain
Individuals with higher levels of cortisol production tends to gain weight more rapidly. In a study conducted American Psychological Association, about 43 percent of their participants in their research survey admitted that they resorted to over eating while under stress. Shawn Talbot, a nutritional biochemist noted that cortisol is a potent appetite signal in the body. Other researchers also support the fact that the hormone also interferes with our body’s ability to suppress appetite. Thus, the more cortisol is produced in the body, the likely one’s appetite is stimulated to eat more. With a higher level of stress, cortisol production is higher therefore it could make a person eat more resulting in weight gain.
Can cortisol blocking regimen promote weight loss
There is no accurate study that really backs up the claim for cortisol suppressant drugs to be effective in promoting
weight loss. Although studies link cortisol to weight gain, it does not necessarily make drugs that suppress its production an effective
weight loss regimen. According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, there is no evidence that would support the claim that cortisol blockers could promote
weight loss.
How to lose weight by managing cortisol induced stress
Stress can play an important factor why people
gain weight. Employing some stress reduction technique will help control your body’s stress level. According to the published Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, taking supplements like DHEA helps to lower the level of cortisol in the body. Moreover, getting enough sleep will help the body to manage stress efficiently which helps reduce the rate of cravings and the stimulation of one’s appetite. Other forms of stress reducing activities that one can do are
yoga, deep breathing
exercise, tai chi, and other moderate forms of exercise that could control the level of cortisol production in the body.