Cortisol levels and abdominal fat

Many serious health conditions are a result of having excess abdominal fat.
These major health conditions include type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Therefore it is detrimental not to take care of your weight and avoid gaining unnecessary weight.
According to some studies, there is a strong link between cortisol, which is the stress hormone, and abdominal fat.
Studies on cortisol
A 2008 study published in Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers identified a strong relation between the cortisol levels of overweight girls and excessive abdominal fat.
In addition, a 2011 study published in Obesity investigated the way that stress affects the cortisol levels and visceral fat of Hispanic girls.
Results of studies
It was found that those participants who experienced high levels of stress at school, also showed increased levels of cortisol as well as abdominal fat.
Effective ways to reduce cortisol levels
According to Ehow, three ways of reducing cortisol levels have proved to be effective. These include, following a balanced and healthy diet, exercising regularly and performing meditation.
For more about meditation, click here.

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