To fight stress or cortisol induced weight gain, you want to reduce your levels of stress. The most important thing you can do is to eliminate the main source of your stress. However, to reduce stress you can also exercise, see a professional therapist or dietician, get the correct amount of sleep, avoid caffeine and stimulates, nurture healthy relationships, and practice mindfulness or meditation. How Does Increased Cortisol Lead to Weight Gain? Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. Cortisol is responsible for triggering the body’s “fight or flight” response. During times of increased stress, adrenaline and cortisol are released. This causes an increase in heart rate and energy levels,…