
Weight loss coach shares 10 ‘embarrassing symptoms' of high cortisol levels in the body: Acne to mood swings
Ann-Maria Tom is a weight loss coach who keeps sharing health and weight loss related tips and tricks on her Instagram profile on a regular basis. Ann-Maria Tom, on April 18, addressed how cortisol levels can spike in the body and show up as symptoms. It is essential to understand the early warning signs of high cortisol levels. 'High cortisol levels, often caused by chronic stress or conditions like Cushing's syndrome, can lead to a variety of surprising and sometimes embarrassing symptoms,' she wrote. Also read | Always stressed? 6 signs that indicate your body has high cortisol levels
A post shared by Ann-Maria Tom| Hormonal Weight loss Coach. (@ann_maria_tom)
Excess cortisol promotes fat storage in the abdominal area, leading to a spare tire or rounded belly.
Cortisol can increase sweat production and alter body chemistry, making armpit odor stronger or more pungent.
High cortisol can dry out your mouth, reducing saliva and allowing bacteria to thrive, causing halitosis. Also read | Are you stuck in a stress response? 5 signs of high Cortisol to know about
Cortisol triggers oil production in the skin, leading to acne, especially on the face, chest, and back.
Elevated cortisol can disrupt hormone balance, leading to hirsutism (excess hair growth on the face, chest, or back).
Cortisol can weaken hair follicles, leading to hair thinning or even bald patches (alopecia).
High cortisol affects brain chemistry, making you more prone to mood swings, anxiety, or sudden outbursts.
A fatty hump between the shoulders can develop due to cortisol-induced fat redistribution.
Cortisol can affect kidney function, leading to increased urination or even mild incontinence.
Cortisol dysregulation can disrupt sleep patterns, making it hard to fall or stay asleep. Also read | Stress piling up? Nutritionist suggests these superfoods to manage cortisol levels
The weight loss coach added that while these symptoms can be subtle or pronounced, it is essential to keep a track of them and take advice from healthcare professionals on the way forward.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
From pimples to peptides: How Gen Z turned the dermatologist into a beauty guru
Dermatology clinics are the new beauty salons. Consumers in urban India are no longer walking into a dermat's office with just eczema, psoriasis or some other chronic skin condition. They are increasingly consulting the dermatologist for everyday skin requirements, from dealing with pimples and dandruff to enhancing the skin texture and glow. The trend is mostly driven by teenagers and young adults, but older people, both women and men, are too seeking expert medical help for skin conditions that previously were managed with home remedies. Last year, Suresh (name changed to protect privacy) rushed to a South Delhi dermatologist, worried about pimples—'Can adults get pimples?' was one of his questions to the doctor. The 41-year-old was anxious that it would affect his looks at social engagements. The treatment cost him ₹20,000. 'The stigma around seeking help for 'non-serious' skin concerns has also faded,' says Bengaluru-based Priyanka Reddy, chief dermatologist and founder of DNA Skin Clinic, who has 556,000 followers on Instagram. People today are far more informed about skin health than they were ever before, thanks to social media, beauty influencers and easy access to medical info online. Live Events Both Indian and international companies have been focusing on science-backed skincare brands for a few years now. From Minimalist, now owned by Unilever, to Cetaphil, CeraVe and Honasa Consumer-owned The Derma Co, many brands are vying for the same section of the skincare market: the young and informed consumer. 'We've seen a noticeable uptick in both age groups (Gen Z and Gen Alpha),' says Chytra Anand, dermatologist and founder of Kosmoderma, a Bengaluru-based chain of dermatology clinics. Evidence-based Self-care 'In fact, teens and young adults now make up nearly 20% of new consultations at our clinics. For the 12–18 age group, the top concern is acne—mostly hormonal and sometimes compounded by lifestyle issues like diet, screen time, and stress. There's a growing interest in skin texture and glow, thanks again to beauty influencers and filter-free selfies,' adds Anand. Young consumers are taking 'picture-perfect' quite literally. According to Alok Malik, president and business head - India Formulations at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals , the rise in dermatologist consultations is not just a medical trend; it reflects a broader shift towards evidence-based self-care. 'We are seeing increased usage, which is intentional and informed adoption, with consumers actively choosing science-backed skincare over cosmetic hype,' he says. Known for brands like Maxrich YU, Episoft, Bontress and La Shield Kids, Glenmark has been pushing the prescription vs OTC line of skincare for years now. It is using a combination of dermatological recommendations and modern retail inclusive of ecommerce to reach the target audience. Dermatologists charge ₹1,000–4,000 or more for a visit in India's major cities. This is just the consultation fee. Chances are the doctor will prescribe serums with active ingredients, moisturisers and face wash—a three-four step routine based on products which would cost another ₹10,000 or more. 'Earlier, people would only see a dermatologist for chronic conditions like acne, eczema, or pigmentation that had persisted for years. Now, even a new pimple, suntan, or mild sensitivity prompts a visit, and rightly so,' adds Reddy. 'Skin is our largest organ, and people are beginning to treat it with the same seriousness they give to diet or fitness.' While this is still a fairly urban phenomenon, market research company Statista estimates India's skin treatments market to reach about $895 million (nearly ₹7,750 crore) this year. More than 64% of the customers of Foxtale, a Mumbai-based skincare startup, are Gen Z and the older edge of Gen Alpha — 'those just stepping into their teenage years', says Romita Mazumdar, its CEO and founder. 'On our website, we've seen a 2x increase in ingredient-specific search terms in the last year alone; terms like 'niacinamide', 'glycolic acid' and 'peptides' are constantly searched,' she says. 'Even parents are encouraging early visits, which is great. I've had 15-year-olds ask if they should combine azelaic acid with niacinamide, and college students worried about barrier repair after using too many actives,' says Anand.


Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Make your fibre intake more diverse: 12 foods that aren't green vegetables
Fibre is touted as one of the essentials in your diet, especially for gut health. When added to the diet, fibre is conventionally thought to come from vegetables. But fibre sources are much more versatile than you think. It's not just restricted to vegetables; it's also found in fruits, grains, seeds, and nuts. Make your fibre intake more interesting rather than just going for the usual veggies. By adding variety, you are also more likely to include fibre in your diet every day, in some way or the other. This way, fibre intake feels diverse and less like a chore. Broccoli is one of the vegetables that has high fibre content.(Shutterstock) Mary Ellen, a diabetes dietitian who frequently shares nutrition tips on her Instagram, posted on June 13 about fibre sources that aren't vegetables. She said, 'A lot of people don't realise that some of our highest fibre foods are actually not vegetables. They're more in the nuts, seeds, and fruit category.' Here are the top 12 high fibre foods the dietitian shared, along with the fibre content: 12 high fibre foods 1. Apple (1 medium): 4 to 5 grams of fibre 2. Black beans (1 cup cooked): 15 grams of fibre 3. Lentils (1 cup cooked): 15 grams of fibre 4. Quinoa (1 cup cooked): 5 grams of fibre 5. Chia seeds (1 tablespoon): 5 grams of fibre 6. Raspberries (1 cup): 8 grams of fibre 7. Air-popped popcorn (4 cups): 5 grams of fibre 8. Oatmeal (1 cup cooked): 4 grams of fibre (Makes a great high-fibre breakfast, especially when paired with chia seeds and raspberries) 9. Pear (1 medium): 5.5 grams of fibre 10. Almonds (1 oz/approx 23 nuts): 3.5 grams of fibre 11. Pistachios (1 oz): 3 grams of fibre 12. Avocado (½ medium): 6 grams of fibre Why is fibre important? As per Healthline, fibre is beneficial for gut health because it regulates the good bacteria content in the gut, helping maintain microbiome balance. Moreover, it has also been noted that eating fibre after a high-carb meal lowers the blood sugar spike. Along with this, fibre is also helpful for people suffering from constipation. Fibre intake affects bowel movements, easing constipation. Fibre also helps support weight loss. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. ALSO READ: Fibre-maxxing is the newest wellness trend — but is it actually healthy? Here's what experts have to say


NDTV
15 hours ago
- NDTV
International Yoga Day 2025: "Yoga Has Been Very Instrumental In Shaping My Life," Says Malaika Arora
Gurugram (Haryana): International Yoga Day was marked with a special event at DLF CyberHub on Saturday, where yoga enthusiasts gathered under the open sky to practice and reflect on the benefits of yoga. Among the attendees was actor and wellness advocate Malaika Arora, who actively participated in the session and shared her thoughts on how yoga continues to shape her life. Speaking to news agency ANI, Malaika described yoga as "very instrumental" in her life and shared how it has helped her both mentally and physically over the years. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Malaika Arora (@malaikaaroraofficial) "I would like to say I would give a lot of credit to my genes, but yoga has been very, very instrumental in shaping a lot of my life. I feel that practicing on my mat genuinely makes me happy; it centers me, it gives me focus. So yes, I would give a lot of credit to yoga in my life." Malaika went on to share her thoughts on stress in everyday life and how yoga helps her stay balanced. Addressing the increasing mental pressure in today's world, she said, "Life is full of stress, and yoga can help anyone, not just public figures, to find calm and focus." "I feel it has nothing to do with being a public figure. Everybody, on a daily basis, deals with a lot, whether you're a public figure, a housewife, or someone working a 9-to-5 job. We all deal with physical or mental issues on a daily basis. Life is full of stress," Malaika told ANI. "Unfortunately, we are surrounded by situations. There's so much stimuli around us, phones being one of them. Every day, looking at phones and being on social media causes a lot of anxiety and stress. So, I think people today should find ways to de-stress, whatever it may be - whether it's being outdoors, doing yoga, swimming, or meditating. Find that one activity that works for you, and make time for yourself to de-stress and love yourself," she added. Meanwhile, the open-air event was hosted in a peaceful setting, something Malaika said enhanced the experience. "It was amazing to be outdoors in such a beautiful environment under the sun like this. It truly is a blessing to be able to do something like pretty much what I do every day - one hour on my mat, religiously," she said. Every year, the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) is celebrated on June 21. This year marks the 11th International Day of Yoga, with the theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health", which echoes the vital truth that personal wellness and planetary health are inseparably linked. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, took part in the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations, where he hailed yoga as a gift "beyond age" that transcends all boundaries and unites humanity in "health and harmony."