Do you constantly feel bloated in your belly area, even with a careful diet and regular exercise? You may be dealing with what's called "cortisol belly," a buildup of fat and fluid retention associated with chronic stress and hormonal imbalances .

What is cortisol belly?

It's the informal name for visceral fat (fat around the organs) and abdominal bloating caused by high levels of cortisol , the stress hormone.

When the body lives in a constant state of alert, due to overwork, worries, irregular sleep, or lack of time for oneself, cortisol levels rise and remain high. The result? The body enters survival mode, slows down metabolism, and accumulates fat where you want to feel lighter: in the belly.

Why does this happen?

• The body interprets stress as a threat → produces more cortisol.

• Elevated cortisol levels stimulate the accumulation of abdominal fat.

• Digestion slows down → bloating, gas, and indigestion appear.

• Sleep worsens → blood sugar levels fluctuate.

• Cravings for sweets, caffeine, or nighttime snacks increase.

• Energy fades — but abdominal volume doesn't.

At what age range is it most common?

Between the ages of 30 and 50 , during the most emotionally and hormonally demanding phases:

• Perimenopause or menopause

• Postpartum

• Career changes or burnout

• When professional, family, and personal life overlap.

The most common mistake? Skipping breakfast.

Intermittent fasting can be a mistake at this stage of life.
For women with high cortisol levels, starting the day without eating only increases internal stress. The body needs metabolic safety first thing in the morning, and that starts with protein.

The first thing to do: Eat protein when you wake up.

• It stabilizes blood sugar.

• It prevents morning cortisol spikes.

• Reduces cravings throughout the day.

• It provides energy and satiety without excessive stimulation.

Ideal example:

→ Matcha with milk and plant-based protein (like Super Feminine ) + 2 eggs + avocado with olive oil and salt.

Or

Oatmeal porridge with protein and seeds.

Common symptoms of elevated cortisol:

• Persistent bloating in the abdomen

• Difficulty falling asleep or light sleep

• Constant craving for sweets or snacks

• Irritability, mental fog, fatigue

• Hair loss or irregular cycle

• Feeling like you're always on high alert.

Take the mini quiz: Do you have high cortisol levels?

Do you feel like you're always busy, but not making any progress?

Do you wake up tired even after sleeping?

- Does it swell more towards the end of the day, especially in the belly?

Have you lost energy, focus, and patience in recent months?

Do you crave sweets, salty foods, or snacks more at night?

Do you feel more sensitive, irritable, or anxious?

Do you notice changes in your body that you can't explain?

Have you tried "everything," but your belly won't go down?

If you answered "yes" to 4 or more: your body is asking for hormonal regulation and rest.

What you can start doing today:

Eat protein first thing in the morning.
Avoid intermittent fasting at this stage of life.
Create a nighttime ritual: turn off screens, relax with a warm drink.
Replace intense workouts with yoga, stretching, and walking.
- Taking adaptogens to balance the nervous system

Recommended MPL Beauty products:

Ashwagandha powder
• Reduces cortisol
• Calms the nervous system
• Improves energy and focus
• Supports hormonal balance

Calming Soluble Drink
• Delicious nighttime ritual
• Sweetens without refined sugar
• Helps to relax the body and mind.

Super Woman Capsules
• Formula with adaptogens and superfoods
• Combats stress and balances hormones.
• Supports mental and physical well-being.

Super Feminine Protein
• Ideal upon waking
• Stabilizes metabolism
• Reduces cravings and energy spikes
• Comprehensive support for hormonal health

Recommended reading:

• Burnout – Emily & Amelia Nagoski

• The Cortisol Connection – Dr. Shawn Talbott

• The Wisdom of Your Body – Hillary McBride

Podcasts:

• Feel better live more

• To Be Magnetic

• The Stress Less Podcast

Conclusion:

A "cortisol belly" is not a sign of laziness, gluttony, or lack of willpower .
It is an urgent plea from the body for safety, food, and rest.
Listening to this signal could be the first step towards feeling good again, from the inside out.