Why is reducing stress important in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing belly fat?

Stress, cortisol and belly fat

• Stress causes the body to produce more cortisol , a major stress hormone.

• Persistently high cortisol levels increases fat deposition in the abdominal area . This happens because cortisol promotes the growth of fat cells and fat storage, especially in the abdominal region.

• Belly fat is hormonally active, producing additional inflammatory substances that further disrupt metabolic balance.

Stress and insulin sensitivity

• Cortisol increases blood sugar levels by stimulating glucose production by the liver.

• High blood sugar causes the body to produce more insulin, but persistently high cortisol levels reduces the insulin sensitivity of cells .

This means that cells become less responsive to insulin, so insulin resistance can develop.

• Insulin resistance further increases the accumulation of abdominal fat, creating a self-reinforcing vicious cycle.

Stress reduction benefits

• Reducing stress lowers cortisol levels , so less fat is stored in the abdomen.

• Insulin sensitivity improves as insulin receptors in cells become more sensitive when cortisol levels are lower and inflammation is reduced.

• Stress management (e.g. relaxation, meditation, yoga, regular exercise, adequate sleep) contributes to restoring hormonal balance and metabolic health.

Summary table

The point is:

Reducing stress breaks the vicious circle between high cortisol, belly fat and insulin resistance, thus playing a fundamental role in maintaining hormonal balance and metabolic health.

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