These 3 Hormones May Be Driving Your Cravings (If They're Out Of Whack)

The adrenal glands release cortisol during times of stress (whether it's from a strained relationship or worrying about a deadline). The problem arises when those stressors don't go away. A 2022 survey revealed that a third of adults found stress to be completely overwhelming most days.  

Persistently high cortisol levels may rev up your appetite and lead to overeating and weight gain. The hormone also tells the body to hold onto energy and may be the culprit behind the stubborn belly fat you just can’t seem to lose. 

Commonly referred to as the satiety hormone, leptin is produced by fat cells in the body to signal to the brain it’s time to stop eating. But that communication doesn’t always run smoothly and the brain may not respond to leptin’s message1—leaving you in what feels like a constant state of hunger. 

GLP-1 is a hormone produced when food enters the small intestine and tells our brains that we’re full. It’s also involved in regulating appetite and feelings of satiety. Healthy levels of GLP-1 may help reduce cravings3 (by decreasing the physical or mental anticipation of food), increase positive feelings when consuming food, and prevent overeating.  

But lifestyle habits such as sleeping poorly and eating sugary, processed foods throw GLP-1 levels out of whack and heighten cravings. 

We may view our cravings as a lack of willpower, but oftentimes they’re orchestrated by out-of-balance hormones. For cortisol, leptin, and GLP-1, lifestyle factors like stress and a lack of quality sleep can impact these hormones and should be some of the first habits to hone in on.