Emotional and environmental stress has been shown to increase abdominal fat accumulation due to a rise in which hormone?

The accumulation of abdominal fat in response to emotional and environmental stress is primarily linked to an increase in cortisol levels. Cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone, is released by the adrenal glands in response to stressors. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to a range of physiological changes that promote fat storage, particularly in the abdominal region.

When the body experiences stress, cortisol helps mobilize energy by promoting gluconeogenesis, which can lead to increased blood sugar levels. This excess energy is more likely to be stored as visceral fat, which is located deeper in the abdominal cavity and is associated with various health risks. Additionally, cortisol can influence appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods, further contributing to fat accumulation.

While other hormones like testosterone, insulin-like growth factor, and progesterone play roles in overall body composition and metabolism, it is cortisol that has the most significant direct influence on stress-related abdominal fat gain. Understanding the role of cortisol in fat accumulation can help in developing strategies for managing stress and its physiological effects on the body.