Cortisol, Weight and Fat Loss: Can Cortisol Blockers Help You Lose Weight and Fat?

If stress-induced cortisol can make you fat and gain weight, can you lose weight by using cortisol blockers? No, there is no reliable evidence supporting this.

Although studies show that chronically high-levels of cortisol due to chronic stress can make some people fat or even lead to obesity, there is no reliable evidence showing that products that claim to reduce cortisol levels, such as, Relacore, CortiSlim, CortiStress and Cortistat-PS help in reducing cortisol and losing weight.

In 2007, the Federal Trade Commission charged the marketers of CortiSlim and other weight-control pills with making weight loss claims and weight control claims not supported by evidence. Millions of dollars were paid to settle allegations of deceptive advertising.

The most effective stress reducers -- which can help decrease chronically high cortisol levels -- are physical exercise, meditation as well as other ways to trigger the relaxation response including, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation and laughter. Practicing the Instant Stress Reliever as needed can also help in reducing chronically high levels of stress and stress-induced cortisol.

Physical exercise, stress reduction and healthy eating are the most effective strategies for losing weight.