This cortisol-driven fat storage can start as early as your 20s…
That’s why so many women suddenly notice a growing belly or puffier face—even if they’ve stayed healthy for most of their life.
And no matter how “clean” they eat or how far they walk… nothing seems to help. Why?
Because cortisol fat isn’t normal fat.
Unlike regular weight gain, cortisol-related fat is a stress response—your body holds onto it as a survival instinct.
Spikes in cortisol signal your body to store fat in the lower belly, retain water in the face, and block fat-burning altogether.
Add in other hormone shifts from perimenopause—like reduced estrogen or sluggish thyroid—and your body just keeps holding on.
That’s why traditional weight loss methods fail for women dealing with stress-related weight and hormonal changes.