Bite Back with Abbey Sharp

The Cortisol Conspiracy: The Big Bad FAT GAIN Hormone or Wellness Culture Scapegoat?

Episode Summary

In this episode of Bite Back with Abbey Sharp, Abbey unpacks the truth about one of the most misunderstood hormones in wellness — cortisol. Often villainized as the “stress hormone” behind belly fat, cravings, and burnout, cortisol has become a convenient scapegoat for all things health and weight. Abbey breaks down what cortisol actually does, how diet culture gets it wrong, and how factors like fasting, HIIT workouts, calorie restriction, and coffee affect your levels. Plus, evidence-based tips for keeping this vital hormone balanced — without fear or fads.

Episode Notes

Here’s a run down of what we discussed in today’s episode:

• Introduction
• What is cortisol?
• The Body’s Traffic Light System: How Cortisol Keeps You Moving
• When Stress Gets Stuck
• Cortisol & Belly Fat: Myth or Truth?
• Dieting, Fasting, and Cortisol: What the Research Actually Says
• The Truth About Intermittent Fasting and Hormone Timing
• How Cortisol Disrupts Hunger, Cravings, and Sleep
• Does Exercise Raise or Regulate Cortisol?
• Coffee, Sugar, and Stress Hormones
• Getting Your Cortisol Back on Track

References:

• Effects of physiological hypercortisolemia on the regulation of lipolysis in subcutaneous adipose tissue
• Estimation of body fat and lean tissue distribution by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and abdominal body fat evaluation by computed tomography in Cushing's disease

Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is never a substitute for medical advice. If you’re struggling with with your mental or physical health, please work one on one with a health care provider.

If you have heard yourself in our discussion today, and are looking for support, contact the free NEDIC helpline at 1-866-NEDIC-20 or go to eatingdisorderhope.com.