Cue the eye-roll. Steve the PT says “the only reason your not losing weight is you’re eating too many calories”

Oh, Steve, the personal trainer with the unwavering belief that the only key to weight loss is the simple math of calories in versus calories out. Cue the eye roll. It's a message we've all heard a thousand times, and for many, it's become the frustrating background noise of their weight loss journey. But here's the thing, Steve – there's so much more to the story, and dismissing it as a mere numbers game oversimplifies the complex nature of weight management.

Consider the frustrated client who's been on a perpetual rollercoaster of dieting, losing, gaining, and repeat. Despite their best efforts, the scale refuses to budge, and they can't figure out why. What Steve may not have realised is that weight loss isn't always just about calories. It's about addressing the underlying issues that contribute to weight gain and hinder successful weight loss. One of these factors is the long-term impact of cortisol release.

Lets talk about Cortisol Steve

Cortisol, often dubbed the stress hormone, plays a crucial role in our body's response to stressors. However, sustained high levels of cortisol can wreak havoc on our health. Beyond the simplistic calories in, calories out equation, cortisol influences various aspects of our physiology, leading to a myriad of challenges for those striving to shed those stubborn pounds.

One significant effect of prolonged cortisol release is blood sugar irregularities or dysglycemia. This not only sets the stage for diabetes and insulin dysregulation but also creates an environment conducive to weight gain, particularly around the middle – the notorious belly fat. But that's not all; cortisol doesn't discriminate; it impacts our immune system, making us more susceptible to illnesses and slower to recover.

Chronic fatigue becomes an unwelcome companion for those battling persistently high cortisol levels. The gastrointestinal system takes a hit too, with the parasympathetic nervous system suppressed, resulting in a range of issues from constipation to heartburn. As if that weren't enough, cardiovascular concerns come into play, with blood vessel constriction and overcompensation of the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to high blood pressure.

And let's not forget the impact on hormonal balance. Cortisol's interference with sex hormones can result in imbalances, infertility, irregular periods, and diminished libido. So, Steve, while you're busy preaching the gospel of calories, these silent battles within the body are often overlooked and unaddressed.

But it doesn't end there. Sustained high levels of cortisol can create an insatiable need for comfort foods, particularly those high in fats and with a high glycemic index. The brain, under the influence of cortisol, craves glucose and sucrose for energy, leading to poor food choices. Additionally, with disrupted diurnal regulation, hormone signaling becomes imbalanced, affecting the timing of food intake and how the body distributes those calories. The end result? Fat redistributes to the abdominal region.

So, Steve, the next time you're tempted to roll your eyes and reiterate the mantra of calories in versus calories out, consider the broader context. Weight loss is a nuanced journey, and sometimes, understanding and addressing the underlying factors like cortisol release can be the missing piece of the puzzle. It's time to move beyond the oversimplification and embrace a more comprehensive approach to help those struggling on their path to better health.