Cortisol and Weight Loss: Why You’re Not Losing Weight Despite Diet and Exercise
Ananya Mishra | Mon, 26 Jan 2026
Many people struggle to lose weight even after eating well and exercising regularly. One hidden reason can be high cortisol levels, also known as the stress hormone. When stress stays constant, the body holds on to fat, especially around the belly. Understanding how cortisol affects sleep, cravings and fat storage can help create a healthier and more balanced weight loss journey.
Belly Fat
Image credit : Freepik
Many people notice that even after following a strict diet and working out, they are not able to lose weight. There can be many reasons for it and a big one for it is cortisol which is also known as the primary stress hormone of the body. If the cortisol levels in someone’s body remains high, it becomes quite difficult for them to lose weight. It becomes important to learn about this hormone and understand how it might be affecting someone’s body and preventing it from losing weight.
Cortisol is released when a person is emotionally or physically stressed. It stores fat in the body when a person is chronically stressed especially in the belly area for future use.
Even with regular exercise, it becomes very difficult for a person to reduce fat due to high stress and cortisol levels.
![Cravings]()
Stress may trigger cravings. High cortisol levels play a big role in imbalancing blood sugar levels which lead to craving for sugary or high carb foods. Indulging in these cravings during stress provides energy for a short period of time but is harmful in the long run.
Emotional fatigue leads a person to binge eat due to lack of self control as well.
![Cortisol and Sleep]()
Poor sleeping habits also affect cortisol and stress. Cortisol can overpower melatonin which is the sleep hormone. It can cause difficulty in falling asleep. This can cause insomnia, irregular sleep and fatigue.
Losing weight is not just about exercising and eating healthy. It is also about maintaining a healthy lifestyle for the physical and emotional well being of the body.
A person should also focus on managing stress levels. Healthy habits like yoga, meditation, journaling, getting enough sleep and consuming a nourishing diet will keep the body and mind fit.
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Cortisol Affects Fat Storage
Even with regular exercise, it becomes very difficult for a person to reduce fat due to high stress and cortisol levels.
Stress, Cravings and Emotional Eating
Cravings
Image credit : Freepik
Stress may trigger cravings. High cortisol levels play a big role in imbalancing blood sugar levels which lead to craving for sugary or high carb foods. Indulging in these cravings during stress provides energy for a short period of time but is harmful in the long run.
Emotional fatigue leads a person to binge eat due to lack of self control as well.
Cortisol and Sleep
Cortisol and Sleep
Image credit : Freepik
Poor sleeping habits also affect cortisol and stress. Cortisol can overpower melatonin which is the sleep hormone. It can cause difficulty in falling asleep. This can cause insomnia, irregular sleep and fatigue.
Lowering Cortisol for Sustainable Weight Loss
A person should also focus on managing stress levels. Healthy habits like yoga, meditation, journaling, getting enough sleep and consuming a nourishing diet will keep the body and mind fit.
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can high cortisol cause weight gain?
Yes, high cortisol levels can cause fat storage, especially around the stomach area. - Why does stress stop weight loss?
Stress increases cortisol, which slows fat burning and increases cravings. - Does cortisol affect sleep?
Yes, high cortisol can disturb sleep by reducing melatonin, the sleep hormone.
