Hi Ladies here a bit of research im looking at regarding weight gain pre and post natally.
Repeated elevation of cortisol can lead to weight gain.Cortisol can mobilise triglycerides from storage and relocate them to visceral fat cells (those under the muscle, deep in the abdomen).
A second way in which cortisol may be involved in weight gain goes back to the blood sugar-insulin problem. Consistently high blood glucose levels along with insulin suppression lead to cells that are starved of glucose. But those cells are crying out for energy, and one way to regulate is to send hunger signals to the brain. This can lead to overeating. And, of course, unused glucose is eventually stored as body fat.
Another connection is cortisol’s effect on appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods. Studies have demonstrated a direct association between cortisol levels and calorie intake in populations of women. Cortisol may directly influence appetite and cravings by binding to hypothalamus receptors in the brain.
Before and up to 6 - 12 weeks after birth a ladies Cortisol levels will be very high and then gradually level off.
Dont be so hard on yourself if your weight gain or abs are feeling like jelly.
