Health

Experts warn against oversimplifying cortisol’s role in body changes

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 12:31AM UTC

Claims linking cortisol to ‘cortisol belly’ and ‘cortisol face’ trends on social media are misleading. Experts explain the hormone’s true role in the body and advise on practical ways to manage stress.

The Independent has reported on the recent online surge of claims linking cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, to certain physical changes popularly described as "cortisol belly" and "cortisol face." These terms have been circulating widely on social media platforms like TikTok, where creators allege that elevated cortisol levels due to stress are responsible for unwanted abdominal fat and facial swelling, thereby impacting one’s appearance and overall lifestyle success.

Cortisol is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the adrenal glands, situated above the kidneys. It plays an essential role in human survival by regulating various bodily functions, including our daily rhythms and responses to stress. When a threat or stressful situation arises, such as encountering danger or facing work pressure, cortisol is released to help the body generate energy necessary for fight or flight reactions.

Craig Doig, Associate Professor of Metabolic Health at Nottingham Trent University, explained to The Independent that while stress triggers cortisol release, this hormone is not inherently detrimental. He emphasised that cortisol is fundamentally intended to protect and sustain life rather than impair physical health or appearance. However, persistent high levels of cortisol can contribute to serious health concerns, including weight gain.

Research dating back to 1932 identified a rare condition known as Cushing’s disease, characterised by abnormally high cortisol levels leading to fat accumulation in the abdomen and face. Yet, everyday stress does not produce cortisol levels anywhere near those found in this medical disorder. Professor Doig noted that the distribution of body fat is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including genetics, diet, sleep, exercise, and other hormones, which cannot be simplified to a single cause like cortisol.

In response to the social media trend, Professor Doig offered practical stress management advice that requires no special purchases or gimmicks: regularly getting sufficient sleep, maintaining consistent exercise, eating a balanced diet, and allowing time for relaxation. He cautioned against the allure of "cortisol detox" products or similar influencer-promoted remedies, stating that the oversimplification of cortisol's role serves more to generate online engagement than to educate about health.

He further remarked, "‘Cortisol belly’ and ‘cortisol face’ might sound catchy, but they reduce incredibly complex biological processes into bite-sized insecurities." Advising individuals to consult medical professionals if they have concerns about stress or related symptoms, Professor Doig concluded that stepping away from distracting social media narratives and focusing on simple, healthy routines might be the most effective means of managing cortisol levels.

This coverage sheds light on how medical information can be distorted within popular culture, highlighting the importance of grounding health discussions in scientific evidence and professional guidance.

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://health.osu.edu/health/skin-and-body/is-cortisol-face-real - This source addresses the concept of 'cortisol face,' explaining that it is not an official medical diagnosis and involves fat accumulation and soft tissue swelling, supporting the article's note that popular terms like 'cortisol face' are simplifications of complex biological processes.
https://www.ucihealth.org/blog/2024/08/cortisol-face - This article explains that while cortisol is a vital hormone produced by the adrenal glands and essential for bodily functions and stress response, facial puffiness commonly attributed to cortisol is often caused by other factors like diet and sleep, corroborating the article's discussion about cortisol’s role and the misinformation on social media.
https://news.cuanschutz.edu/department-of-medicine/cortisol-face - This source covers the viral social media trend about 'cortisol face,' consulting endocrinologists who clarify the medical reality versus social media claims, aligning with The Independent’s coverage of expert opinions that cortisol’s role in physical changes is over-simplified and cautioning against misinformation.
https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/health-and-families/cortisol-and-weight-gain-reduce-high-levels-b2740648.html - This is the original Independent article discussing cortisol’s role in stress and its mythologized connections to 'cortisol belly' and 'cortisol face,' including expert commentary from Professor Craig Doig, confirming all main points in the user-provided article.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-cortisol-weight-loss-controversy-3233036 - This piece details cortisol’s physiological functions and the rare clinical condition Cushing’s syndrome causing fat redistribution to the abdomen and face, supporting the article’s reference to the medical condition distinguished from everyday stress-induced cortisol elevations.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cushings-syndrome/about/pac-20354855 - This Mayo Clinic resource explains Cushing’s syndrome as a rare disorder involving excessive cortisol production, which leads to abdominal fat and facial swelling, reinforcing the article’s mention of the difference between disease-level cortisol and normal stress-related hormone fluctuations.
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/cortisol-and-weight-gain-reduce-high-levels-b2740648.html - Please view link - unable to able to access data

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative references recent social media trends but does not contain outdated or recycled information. It draws on recent expert opinions and scientific understanding.

Quotes check

Score: 9

Notes: The quote from Craig Doig appears to be original to this narrative or at least does not have an easily traceable earlier publication. This suggests it could be a first use or recent statement.

Source reliability

Score: 9

Notes: The narrative originates from The Independent, a well-known reputable publication, thereby increasing its reliability.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims about cortisol and stress are plausible and supported by scientific understanding. However, simplifications in popular culture could mislead without detailed context.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is fresh, well-supported by credible sources, and contains plausible claims about cortisol's effects on the body. However, it is important to note that while the information is reliable, social media narratives might oversimplify scientific complexities.

Cortisol
Stress management
Health myths