Cortisol

Your adrenal glands produce cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone. This hormone causes an increase in heart rate and energy levels when people are stressed.

Stress can increase food cravings for sweet or fatty foods by raising cortisol levels. Stress is linked to increases in hunger hormones, which may contribute to unhealthy food cravings. Furthermore, chronically excessive amounts can cause a variety of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, low energy, high blood pressure, sleep problems, and weight gain. Heavy cortisol levels can be caused by a variety of lifestyle factors, including poor sleep habits, chronic stress, and a high intake of high-glycemic foods. Furthermore, obesity not only raises cortisol levels, but high levels can lead to weight increase, producing a negative feedback loop.