"Cortisol, in an attempt to lower blood sugar, causes insulin to be released," Pescatore says. "Insulin is a fat-storage hormone, hence the weight gain." Increased inflammation: At normal levels ...

This is because cortisol triggers your body to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, while also telling your body to stop producing the glucose-lowering hormone insulin. Hence, the higher ...

"The fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone essentially trigger a heightened stress response, increasing cortisol production, which raises insulin levels and drives the inherent weight gain and ...

Then comes the triple-shot espresso that further elevates your cortisol. By 9 AM ... Even one night of poor sleep can reduce insulin sensitivity, increase ghrelin, your hunger hormone, and ...