DEAR DR. BLONZ: What is your opinion of weight-loss products that claim they shrink belly fat by reducing the level of cortisol in the body? The message is that this approach can help one lose 10 to 20 pounds using all-natural means. Is this correct, and is there a particular product or system that works? -- S.F., Denver
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DEAR S.F.: Social media and the commercial airwaves are overweight with cortisol-reducing ads replete with their hefty doses of misinformation and puffery. Their assertions might even sound plausible -- that's how ads are designed -- but that's as far as it goes. Elevated cortisol, including its prolonged use as a medication, is, indeed, associated with elevated abdominal obesity. Evidence of these products' efficacy is not available. The boasts and testimonials on these products are often from those with financial interests in them.
Cortisol, also called hydrocortisone, is an essential hormone made by the adrenal glands located atop the kidneys. It is referred to as one of the three "stress hormones," which includes cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. Our stress hormones rise when physical or emotional stressors confront the body. Norepinephrine helps rev things up in response to stress, while cortisol helps calm things down. They play a role in various aspects of metabolism, including inflammation, appetite, glucose metabolism and blood pressure, and all of their responses are tailored to the situation the body is facing.
The anti-inflammatory hormone in the group, cortisol, helps prevent tissue destruction associated with inflammatory conditions that include some types of arthritis and autoimmune diseases, as well as asthma and problems associated with organ transplantation. Cortisol can be prescribed as a medication for certain health conditions prone to inflammation.
Don't assume that any product can actually shrink your midsection without providing evidence that it works the way it claims. Typically, such products take elements of the body's stress response out of context, claiming their ingredients affect metabolism in a way that lowers the cortisol level, causing the body to shed belly fat. Simply put, there is no evidence that these products can accomplish their stated goals.
When checking out the range of belly-fat/cortisol products on the market, I found that some contain stimulants, others contain laxatives, and yet others rely on a combination of proprietary ingredients with no obvious mechanism. What they all share is a lack of objective clinical evidence to back up what they claim.
Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.