Stress Hormone Could Trigger
Obesity in Girls

The “stress” hormone cortisol, responsible for regulating metabolic function, has already been associated with triggering depression, often as a result of high stress levels. Although studies have linked cortisol, stress and depression to obesity, new research indicates there’s a higher possibility to trigger obesity in girls only.

Researchers analyzed data that suggested depression was linked with a spike in cortisol levels for boys and girls; however, higher cortisol reactions to stress were associated with obesity among the girls only.

Findings from this study were published in the Journal of Adolescent Health. Researchers believe this information could help them to understand how to reduce cortisol, thereby helping to reduce obesity.