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The Conversation
The Conversation
Theresa Larkin, Associate professor of Medical Sciences, University of Wollongong

No, you can't blame all your health issues on 'high cortisol'. Here's how the hormone works

Kinga Howard/Unsplash

Have you been craving certain foods and gaining weight? Maybe you’re fatigued and can’t concentrate, then wake up in the middle of the night. The latest TikTok wellness trend would have you believe high cortisol levels are to blame.

It’s true that cortisol affects our weight, energy balance, metabolism and sleep. But so do thyroid hormones, appetite hormones and sex hormones, as well as diet and physical activity.

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