Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, plays a significant role in weight regulation and can hinder weight loss. Chronically elevated cortisol levels promote visceral fat storage, increase cravings for high-calorie foods, and may contribute to muscle breakdown. Cortisol also reduces insulin sensitivity, leading to higher blood sugar and increased fat storage. The provided context does not include direct studies on cortisol and weight loss; this answer is based on established physiological mechanisms. Genetic variants such as rs6265 in the BDNF gene (from the context) are associated with body weight and BMI, but not specifically with cortisol. For personalized assessment, direct cortisol measurements (saliva, blood) are more actionable than single genetic markers. Caveat: While acute stress can temporarily boost metabolism, chronic stress generally impairs weight management efforts.
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