Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
05:33
Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature
Published on: June 19, 2019
9.1K
Body mass index and its effect on serum cortisol level.
I A Odeniyi1, O A Fasanmade, A O Ogbera
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice
|February 11, 2015
Summary
Higher body mass index (BMI) in healthy individuals may correlate with lower basal cortisol levels, though not significantly. Further adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation is not recommended for those with BMI above 25 kg/m² due to similar responses to normal BMI groups.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Cortisol measurement is crucial for diagnosing adrenal cortex over or underproduction.
- Low cortisol levels can prompt investigations for adrenal insufficiency.
- Obesity is sometimes associated with reduced serum cortisol, though this is not widely recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and serum cortisol levels in healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- Seventy healthy participants were enrolled.
- Anthropometric measurements including weight and height were taken.
- Basal cortisol (BC) levels were measured before adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation.
- Participants were categorized by BMI (normal: 18.5-24.99 kg/m², high: ≥ 25 kg/m²).
Main Results:
- A trend of lower mean basal cortisol levels was observed in participants with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² compared to those with normal BMI.
- A negative correlation was found between BMI and basal cortisol levels (r = -0.205).
- Stimulated cortisol levels showed a positive correlation with BMI (r = 0.009).
Conclusions:
- Individuals with a BMI above 25 kg/m² exhibited lower basal cortisol levels, indicating a potential trend.
- Advising further ACTH stimulation for individuals with BMI > 25 kg/m² due to low basal cortisol is not recommended.
- The response to ACTH stimulation in individuals with higher BMI was comparable to those with normal BMI.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
13
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the...
13
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
1
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features...
1
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
4.2K
Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
4.2K
01:31Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
7.0K
Adrenal hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and orchestrating responses to stress, showcasing the intricate functions of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and...
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and...
7.0K
01:27Major Hormones and Their Functions
3.6K
Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and...
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and...
3.6K
01:24Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
658
Renal function tests are crucial for assessing kidney health, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the kidneys' efficiency in waste elimination, fluid balance, and electrolyte regulation. These tests offer critical insights into kidney function, even though routine measurements may appear normal until there is a significant decline in the glomerular filtration rate or GFR. Typically, signs of kidney impairment only become evident when the GFR falls to about 50% of its normal level.
658