While you should take any health advice on TikTok with a grain of salt, there's some truth to the videos blaming cortisol for persistent stomach bloat. "There is some evidence to the claim that high cortisol levels can increase belly fat," Dr. Jason Singh exclusively told Glam. "When our bodies experience chronic stress, it triggers cortisol release, which can remain elevated for a prolonged period of time. This triggers visceral fat storage around the abdomen. Interestingly, we've seen studies demonstrate a correlation in folks that carry excess weight around their abdomen to have higher cortisol levels."
One such study is a 2018 research review published in Current Obesity Reports. The review found a link between chronic stress and obesity, though it concluded that the relationship is "bidirectional" — in other words, having more body mass could trigger stress and vice versa. An older 2000 study published in Psychosomatic Medicine also found evidence that cortisol may contribute to abdominal fat.
Despite the link between stubborn fat and cortisol, the stress hormone isn't all bad. Dr. Singh noted, "Keep in mind that cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a critical role in our response to stress and regulation of metabolism." The physician added that it's normal for your cortisol levels to fluctuate and run high at times, such as in the mornings.
