Cortisol…also known as the “stress-hormone” is what our bodies produce to deal with stress. It’s produced anytime the “flight or fight” response is triggered and allows us to rapidly respond. Once the response has happened the levels of cortisol drop. Chronic stress is mentally taxing but it can even impact your waist line. When we are under constant stress our cortisol levels remain high. Studies show that elevated cortisol levels increases our appetite and cravings for sugary/fatty foods. This, on top of altering how and WHERE your body stores fat leads to packing on fat, specifically around the abdomen.