Vikas Joshi Vikas Joshi Asked 7 months ago

Can high cortisol cause weight loss?

Lately, I've been really stressed with work, and I've also noticed I'm losing weight without trying. Could high cortisol levels, which are linked to stress, be causing this weight loss? I'm trying to figure out the reason.

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5 answers

Ramesh Prasad Ramesh Prasad Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago
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Usually, high cortisol or stress causes weight gain, especially around the belly. But in some cases, severe stress can ruin your appetite completely, leading to weight loss. Just try to eat simple home food on time and check with a doctor.

Meera Nair Meera Nair Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

I totally get it, dealing with hormonal issues and sudden weight changes is so stressful. While high cortisol usually leads to weight gain, high stress can sometimes cause severe anxiety and weight loss. Please take care of yourself and talk to a doctor.

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Ganga Devi Ganga Devi Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Stress and high cortisol can upset your stomach and digestion, which might lead to weight loss. Drink warm ashwagandha milk at night to calm your nerves, but also consult a proper doctor to check your hormones.

Sanjay Verma Sanjay Verma Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

It can go either way depending on how your body reacts to stress. Since cortisol tests can be slightly pricey, it is better to plan and get a combined package that includes thyroid and diabetes tests too, after consulting a local doctor.

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Karthik Subramanian Karthik Subramanian Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

My mother always tells me that high stress ruins the appetite, which might cause weight loss. However, high cortisol is a clinical term, so please get your blood tested under a doctor's advice rather than guessing.

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