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Stress-induced cortisol, mood, and fat distribution in men
E E Epel1, A E Moyer, C D Martin
1Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8205, USA. elissa.epel@yale.edu
Obesity Research
|February 19, 1999
Summary
Men with high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) showed higher cortisol reactivity and desire for control compared to women. When matched for WHR, these stress response differences diminished, suggesting WHR influences cortisol secretion and psychological responses to stress.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Previous research indicated women with high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) exhibit heightened cortisol reactivity, poorer coping, and lower anger responses to stress.
- This study aimed to compare the stress responses of men with high WHR to those of women previously studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the cortisol reactivity and psychological stress responses of healthy men with high WHR to women with high and low WHR.
Main Methods:
- Examined cortisol reactivity and psychological data in 27 healthy high WHR men under laboratory stress conditions.
- Compared men's data with existing data from high and low WHR women exposed to identical stressors.
Main Results:
- Men exhibited significant increases in cortisol and blood pressure in response to stress, with higher total cortisol than both high and low WHR women.
- When men and women were matched for WHR, cortisol secretion differences became non-significant.
- Men reported a higher desire for control and lower mood reactivity than women, though high mood reactors in both sexes showed higher cortisol reactivity.
Conclusions:
- Psychological differences and elevated cortisol exposure in high WHR individuals (men and women) may contribute to increased abdominal fat.
- WHR appears to be a significant factor modulating cortisol secretion and psychological responses to stress.